"Maharashtra Couture Chronicles: A Tapestry of Tradition and Modernity"

As proud Indians, we know that the country gloriously shows diversity in all aspects. When we talk about costumes in Maharashtra, the first thing that comes to mind is their stunning attire. The costumes reflect heritage, society, and climate. In India, ‘Maharashtra state is very famous. The state also represents the base of Marathi culture. People of every religion (Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and much more) live here and represent their culture. In this article, we are going to provide you with information about Maharashtra costumes for men and women. The traditional dress of Maharashtra is also highlighted on this page. Every region of the state has a different clothing style, sometimes with a western touch. The women of Maharashtra feel incomplete without God and other jewelry. In previous times, men used to wear phetas and dhotis. The saree and choli were popular among women. In Maharashtra, everyone's costumes are very practical as well as realistic. Most people wear clothes that allow them to do every task, whether at home or outside. They feel comfortable in their Maharashtrian dresses. Apart from this, they have different clothes to wear at special festivals such as Diwali, Ganeshotsav, Eid, Janmashtmi, etc. Let’s read the following information to learn more about the traditional dresses and costumes of Maharashtra.

Popular Women's Wear in Maharashtra

Women wear many costumes in Maharashtra. A saree with a short-sleeve blouse is one of the most famous clothes for Maharashtrian women. Nowadays, only elderly women wear this type of saree because young ones are influenced by western wear. Hence, the pants, skirts, chididars, etc. are westernized clothes that women in Maharashtra now wear. But. Still, some women follow the tradition of wearing typical Marathi sarees.

Paithani Saree

Goldthread zari embroidery and rich colors are the two attractions of the ‘Paithani saree’. Pure silk is used to make this beautiful saree from Maharashtra. Aurangabad was the main origin of the Pathani saree in the 17th century CE. Women feel this saree is very important for special occasions. Pallav is the most special thing about this saree.

Ganga Jamuna Saree

The Ganga Jamuna Saree is very special in Maharashtra because it is offered to God during religious ceremonies. Solapur is the place that is the origin of this saree. Tushar silk is used in the Nagpur saree for the design and stripes of the check. This is a unique design across the body. Ornamented borders are something different and attractive in the saree. When women visit holy places, God, or elders, they take pallav on their heads to show gratitude towards them.

Saree

Women in this state wear sarees in many variations. They wrap it around both the upper and lower body. Lugade is the local word for 9-yard-long sarees. And this is the traditional attire of Maharashtra (women). Since the king’s and queen’s time, the tradition of sarees has been known in the state.

Narayan Peth Saree

The saree that is known for its vibrant and broad borders is the Narayan Peth Saree. Solapur is the main district of this saree. The Narayan Peth saree is basically made up of fabric and Rudrakshas (around little motifs).

Karvat Kati Saree

Saw-edged is the main translation of Karvat Kati. It refers to the teeth, like the design of the saw, which are present at the end of the fabric. The Vidarbha is the region where this saree originated. People in the state wear this beautiful saree when doing ceremonies or rituals. Reeling activities for this saree take place at Chandrapur and Gadchiroli.

Choli

Choli is also popularly known as a blouse. The blouse is paired with a saree and worn by Maharashtrian women. It covers the upper body, and they wear it as a top. This cloth is easy to wear as it has hooks on the front side. Most of the choli’s are short-sleeved, but sometimes they wear full sleeves as well. Sometimes, it is made up of cotton or silk, as men have. The Maharashtrian women wear green, red, or orange choli.

Popular Men's Wear in Maharashtra

The pheta is a costume that is also known as a dhoti with a shirt in Maharashtra. This is the most popular style for men. Along with this, there are many things that the men in Maharashtra wear, and they are given below.

Footwear -

Since the 13th century CE, the Kolhapuri Chappals have been popular in the district of Kolhapur. The sandals are a traditional symbol as well as strong and durable. Generally, this footwear is colored with vegetable dyes.

Kurta-

In Maharashtra, below Dhoti, the Kurta is worn by men. Due to the hot environment of the state, the kurtas are made of cotton. This type of cloth absorbs sweat in warm weather. The top above the dhoti is thinner and more comfortable for men.

Dhoti-

Since the 5th century BC, the men of Maharashtra have worn Dhoti along with Kurta. Dhotar is also called Dhoti. Five knots and sober traditional colors make this attire very special. The traditional Dhotis are produced in Nagpur city. It is the clothing of men that is tucked around the waist. From the ankles to the full legs, the costume covers everything. The dhoti looks gorgeous paired with a nice-colored shirt. Many different styles of shirts are attached to the single-cloth dhoti. Also, it varies from region to region in Maharashtra. People usually wear a dhoti of cream, saffron, or white. Each man living in Maharashtra loves to wear Dhoti because they don’t need any particular measurements to tighten or lose a fit.

Pehta-

Pheta or Pehta are both similar and known as Topi as well. This cloth is worn by men and covers the head. People also wear it to be safe from direct sunlight. In marriages or ceremonies, men wear this topi to complete their attire, and it looks extremely elegant.

Waistcoat-

Bandi is also known as a waistcoat. It is a sleeveless coat or jacket that men wear occasionally in Maharashtra. They wear shirts below bandis or waistcoats. This coat is right for formal occasions, but in a hot environment, you need to think twice before wearing it.

Popular festival and occasion clothes in Maharashtra

Especially in Maharashtra, people wear what they like at festivals or other occasions. There is no one particular dress for everyone.

The clothes at festivals depend on various things, like financial conditions as well as choice. But men have that typical dress, including a shirt and pajamas. In Maharashtra, males don’t have much variation in costumes. On the other side, women buy expensive sarees for special occasions.

Other Costumes of Maharashtrian People

Sadara: This is the costume for men. A shirt that has short or long sleeves is a sadara.

Angarakha: Men wear the Angarkha over a kurta because it is a coatlike overgarment.

Pagadi: Different communities use different folding methods for the Pagadi or Pagota. This is mainly made up of twisted fabric, which looks like rope.

Shela: Women of Maharashtra wear this shela over their shoulders. And it is fabric that looks like a decorative scarf.

Lungi: It is a cloth that contains checks all over the lungi, and Koli men wear it to cover the lower body.

Girl Kids: A skirt and blouse dress is worn by girl kids, which are called ‘Parkar Polka’.

Boy Kids: The Sadara and Vijar are the costumes of small boys in Maharashtra.

Today while attending to a customer query, I came across a very interesting set of questions that I felt I should write about, and hence this blog is dedicated to the question that has struck many individuals and buyers of Maharashtrian weaves and sarees. I consider myself a proud Maharashtrian, but our state is a huge one, and on one side we have a long stretch of Arabian Sea, and on the other three sides, numerous states share our neighborhoods. Transborder trans culture trans religion invasion, migration, and climatic factors that directly or indirectly influence our costumes and dressing trends are continuously influenced by these factors, and then we have Mumbai, or Bombay, the biggest commercial capital of our country and the seat of Bollywood, the Hindi cinemas, so you all can imagine how flexible and elaborate our dress sensibility can be.