This article provides you with information about the Maharashtra traditional dress, the types of it, and its significance. So read the full article for more information about the same.
Introduction
India is a land of cultural diversity. Here you will find different cultures that beautifully express themselves and co-exist with one another. This is what makes India different from other countries.
Each and every culture and tradition in India are like the beautiful colors of the rainbow. Even though all the colors are different than each other, they fit together. And, even if one of the colors is missing, the rainbow loses its charm.
Although there are different cultures and traditions in India, today, we are going to talk about the culture of Maharashtra, which is the third-largest state in India. To be more specific, we will talk about the Maharashtra traditional dress for men and women.
No matter however modern we become, traditional clothes hit different. And there is a certain joy when we wear our traditional clothes and celebrate any festival together.
In this article, we will talk about the Maharashtrian traditional dress for both men and women.
| Maharashtra Traditional Dress Men | Maharashtra Traditional Dress Women |
| Dhoti | Saree |
| Pehta | Head cover |
| Kurta | Choli |
| Bandi | Nath |
| Kolhapuri Chappal | Kolhapuri Chappal |
About Maharashtra Traditional Dress
Maharashtra is one of the most popular states in India. Although people have become modern and they have become inclined to western clothing, people still wear traditional dress in Maharashtra on special occasions like Ganeshotsav, Janmashtami, and others.
Let us first talk about Maharashtra traditional dress for men
So there are 4 different types of Maharashtra traditional dress for men. They are –
- Dhoti
- Pehta
- Kurta
- Bandi
Now let’s talk about each type.
Dhoti
This can be worn in different styles and is usually white or off-white in color. It is a single long piece of cloth worn in a manner that it is tucked around the waist and the dhoti covers the whole legs and ankle.
This is very comfortable to wear, and there are people who still prefer to wear it on a daily basis, especially the elder ones.
Pehta
Pehta or Pagri is a headcover that is meant to protect the head from the direct rays of the sun. It is usually made of cotton material so that it is breathable and comfortable.
You will also find people wearing Pagri on special occasions like marriage or any other special ceremony.
Kurta
Traditionally, Kurtas are worn over a dhoti. But nowadays, people pair it with a pant as well. Kurtas are loose to provide you the comfort. They are worn at festivals, marriages, or special occasions.
Bandi
This is a sleeveless jacket which is worn over shirts or kurtas. It is also known as a waistcoat. People avoid wearing it in summer. It is especially worn in marriages and sometimes at festivals (especially during winters).
Now let’s talk about the Maharashtra traditional dress women
The Maharashtra traditional dress women consist of:
- Saree
- Headcover
- Choli
- Nath
- Kolhapuri Chappal
Let’s discuss each one.
Saree
Although sarees can be worn in different styles, Maharashtra has a typical way of wearing a saree. The saree is 9 yards long, and it is tucked in the middle so that it gives the look of a dhoti. The remaining part of the saree covers the woman’s upper body.
This sarees is called the Lugade and is the Maharashtra traditional dress for women.
Head Cover
Like men, women do not have a Pagri or head cover to cover their heads. So they use the end of their sarees as a head cover.
Choli
The Choli or Blouse is worn underneath the saree to cover the upper part of the body. The cholis are short and with sleeves. They cover the chest and have hooks in the front to make it easier for women to wear them.
Women’s clothing is made of cotton or silk material. Usually, the colors of the saree are green and red, and sometimes even Kesari (yellow).
Nath
Although you can wear any type of jewelry with the saree, like the choice of bangles you want to wear, earrings, bracelets, rings, toe rings, and others. There is one jewelry that has to go with the Maharashtra traditional dress women.
And that is – Nath. Nath or a nose piercing is a loop or loops connected with the earring on either of the side. The Nath is usually made of gold. For someone, who cannot afford a gold Nath, they can wear an artificial one or a Nath made with a different material too.
Maharashtra women do not forget to wear Nath when they wear Maharashtra traditional dress. Also, they never forget to wear their mangal sutra as it protects her relationship with her husband and avoids any kind of negativity and evil in the relationship.
Footwear
Although you can wear any type of footwear under a saree, the Maharashtra traditional dress is something different. And there is just one type of footwear that can complement the Marathi saree, and that is – the Kolhapuri Chappals.
Kolhapuri Chappals are open-toed flats made of leather and tanned using vegetable dyes. These chappals are very strong and durable. They originated in the Kolhapur District of Maharashtra. These go very well with the saree that Maharashtrian women wear.
Kolhapuri Chappals are worn by both men and women. Besides being durable, they are also comfortable to wear and walk. This is why old men and women still prefer to wear these.
Conclusion
Although now a lot of people have shifted to modern clothing and choose to wear modern dresses. But still, old people choose to wear the Maharashtra traditional dress. Even during festivals or weddings in Maharashtra, traditional dresses are worn.
So this was all about the article. I hope you found this helpful and interesting.
You can also check articles like – the bio of Rahul Jagtap and the career of Lora Chaffins.
