TRADITIONAL SAREES FROM MAHARASHTRA : TYPE,DESIGN AND LOOK WITH IMAGES

Traditional sarees from Maharashtra own the beauty and uniqueness with richness and grace. The draping style in Maharashtra is different, and it even enhances the overall elegance quotient. Traditional Maharashtrian sarees are Maharashtra's cultural heritage. The sarees from Maharashtra are exquisite handloom sarees.

The types of sarees from Maharashtra that look absolutely gorgeous-

Paithani Saree

 Paithani is considered as one of the traditional royal sarees, not only among the women of Maharashtra but among the women across India. Paithani saree is a trademark of Indian tradition and honour. The art of Paithani is over 2000 years old, was developed in the Satvahan dynasty (the then Pratishthan Nagar). This is named after the Paithan town in Aurangabad, Maharashtra where the saree was first handmade. Present day Yeola town in Nashik, Maharashtra is the largest manufacturer of traditional Paithani saree. Paithani is made with silk and Zari in Fly shuttle and pit loom. The structure of the horizontal quadrangle of Zari is the uniqueness of the traditional Paithani Saree and Asavali, Peacock, Lotus, and Mango traditional design as well as small motifs are available on Paithani. Single colored and kaleidoscope-colored designs are also popular on Paithani. The kaleidoscopic effect is achieved by using one color for weaving lengthwise and another for weaving width wise. Paithani is a three-generation pioneer and women are still using traditional Paithani during social and religious work and in wedding ceremony.

Kolhapuri Saree

Kolhapuri saree is one of the native traditional sarees of Maharashtra. The elegant and classy Kolhapuri sarees are carefully woven in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Kolhapuri Sarees are used to make in pure cotton or pure silk and come in different vibrant colours. The zari embroidery bordering the saree, is intricately woven, and these traditional sarees are worn during weddings or festivals to look regal.

Himroo Saree

This traditional handloom saree has historically been produced in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The materials used for this sarees are cotton and pure silk. The Geometrical and floral patterns along with intricate creeper design. Himroo is a type of extra-weft manufactured ordinarily in throw suttle from cotton and viscose rayon yarn on a cotton ground. It is also woven from silk yarn and gold thread on a silk ground giving it a satin-like look. In olden days, traditional Himroo saree was worn by the ladies of the royal household. 

 Khana Saree

Khana saree originated in the regions of South Maharashtra. Materials used to make this traditional saree are pure silk, art silk (viscose blend), and pure cotton. Khana material is a historically and culturally significant fabric in Maharashtra. It might have been started in the 8th century CE when the Chalukya Dynasty was in power in this region. It is made with extra warp dobby figures and is always produced by keeping definite width and length in pit loom. On this traditional saree, geometrical designs are seen that look like honeycomb or floral patterns along with creepers, fruits, and seeds. It is a tradition to offer a Khana saree extensively to the God, always folded in a typical triangular shape.

 Hand Block Print Saree

Hand block printing is extensively done in the Vidarbha area of Maharashtra. The artisans engaged in this craft are called “Bavasars” community, the practitioners of this craft mainly use natural colors. The Traditional sarees are hand-woven silk or mill-made chiffon cloth on which block oriented painting of floral and animal designs are done with delicately carved wooden and brass blocks. The results are multi-colour designs in traditional patterns. The 'Tree of Life' motif is very widely used in this saree

Solapuri Saree

The origin of the saree is Solapur, Maharahstra. Sarees are woven on pit-looms mainly with pure cotton yarn. The uniqueness of the Solapuri sarees are the designs that are woven with the wooden dobby. Designs are woven in stripes and checks with fly shuttles, complimenting the finely textured body with richly attractive borders.

Karvat Kati Saree

The weavers of traditional Karvath Kati Sarees are scattered across four districts, namely Bhandara, Nagpur, Chandrapur & Gadchiroli. Chandrapur and Gadchiroli are the main centres of reeling activities, and weaving takes place at Bhandhara and Nagpur districts. As mentioned above, the traditional Karvat Kati (saw-teeth) saree derives its name from its border design which resembles saw-teeth. Every saree will have this pattern of design on both the sides with Floral and animal designs on the excellent cotton handloom fabrics. The root origin of most of the designs are the sculptures seen at the famous Ramtek temple.  

  

 

Nauvari Saree

The traditional Maharashtrian drape is called as the Nauvari saree, Nauvari means nine yards. The saree is draped in dhoti style and worn without a petticoat. Originally, they were made using cotton but one can also find them in satin and silk. Traditional Nauvary saree are made with natural silk and popular because they are breathable, easy to wear and clean. These Nauvary sarees are designed with beautiful patterns and motifs and embellished with attractive floral prints. Traditional Nauvari saree is worn by the Maharashtra or Marathi woman on her wedding day which makes her look royal and regal and during the celebrations of Lord Ganesha and other festivities.

 The Nauvary is a symbol of the Maharashtra culture worn by all women in Maharashtra. The top caste Brahmin women wear it when performing spiritual rituals, the low caste Lavani dancers when entertaining and the Koli fisher women as working clothes.

 It’s believe that during the Maratha rule, Maharashtrian women designed the Nauvary saree that looked like a male trouser to fight alongside their male warriors during the war. This became a traditional saree that the Maharashtra women wore with pride to remind them of their equal status and strength in a male dominated society. These traditional sarees are also called Sakachcha, Kaashtha, Gajaki and Lugada.