Kavita Rajput, Lecturer, MGM IFD
Navwari saree is pride of Maharashtra. It is Maharashtrian culture to wear it on auspicious occasions like various festivals and marriages. But now days it is in fashion because of Bollywood movies. Movies like Bajirao Mastani, Panipat,Manikarnika etc have given credit for popularity of Maharashtrian look among young girls. Every woman of Maharashtra wants to wear it on special occasions. Maharashtrian brides desire to get perfect Maharashtrian look for their saptapadi .
Navwari means 9 yard saree. It is worn without petticoat. Silk sarees with zari border and pallu is usually worn on special occasions but cotton navwari sarees are also available. And if we want we can buy artificial silk sarees also. Navwari sarees are draped in variety of ways. Now a day we don’t wear navwari regularly therefore we find it difficult to wear. Therefore we have a better option for draped Navwari sarees that is stitched Navwari sarees. Isn’t it cool that we can get all styles of Navwari sarees stitched, easy to wear and if you are planning to own a stitched saree for festivals or for this wedding season, here I have some information to share that will definitely help you in your selection of perfect Maharashtrian look for the occasion.
Stitched Navwari sarees are available in various varieties but the most popular are as follows,
1. Marathmoli – Marathmoli is a simple style of Navwari saree draping. Today also this type of saree is worn in villages. This type of Navwari saree is available in stitched form too. If you want a stitched saree to wear on all festivals, this could be perfect. It is simple and comfortable too. In this type of saree there is kashta at the back and front is simple
2. Brahmani- Brahmani style of Navwari sarees mostly worn by Brahmin women hence named as Brahmani. It is mostly used during wedding and festive season. Brides prefer to wear this elegant and beautiful saree during their marriage ceremony. The major difference in this style is the border of the saree is picked and tucked in the front called as Ocha in marathi. It is 8 to 10 inch in length. It falls in triangular form.
3. Peshwai-Peshwai style of saree draping was influenced by Maratha Peshwas during their reign.Peshwai is somewhat similar to Brahmani style but the major difference is of Ocha which is also tucked in the front to take border at the front but this border is straight.
4. Mastani- Mastani style stitched navwari saree is very popular now days for its artistic and unique style of border tucked at the front. The zig-zag border looks very attractive. This style of stitched saree look beautiful on slim and tall women. And perfect for Maharashtrian bride.
5. Shahi Mastani – Shahi Mastani is also in trend now a days. Front border of the saree is stitched in pleated manner. Pleats are arranged one on another beautifully. It looks gorgeous on silk sarees. This style of saree would be ideal choice for wedding season and you will be able to create perfect Maharashtrian look as you desire.
Accessories to complement the Maharashtrian Look
Above mentioned stitched Navwari sarees are in vogue and you can own any one from it for this wedding season. But don’t forget to style it with specific Maharashtrian jewellery. It has to be golden. Kolhapuri saaz, Thushi, pearl nose pin (Nath), karnafhul,Bangles and golden Kamarband (waist belt) are few typical Maharashtrian jewellery. Hair should be tied in low buns which are decorated with bunch of mogra flowers that is Gajra.