NAUVARI SAREE -THE MAHARASHTRIAN SAREE LOOK

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Each State in India is known for a particular festival- Durga Puja is in the State of West Bengal, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Garba in Gujarat, Teej in Rajasthan. Similarly, the state of Maharashtra celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with pomp & splendor. Festive attire plays an important role along with grand pandals, delicious modaks(sweets) and lively aartis(prayer rituals) in the celebrations. In this blog, we highlight the Maharashtrian saree look

Alia Bhatt Channels Maharashtrian saree look in a bold Nauvari Saree at WAVES(World Audio & Visual entertainment ) Summit 2025

Alia Bhatt, the Bollywood star, paid tribute to Maharashtrian craftsmanship in a Paithani Nauvari saree woven over 75 days by artisans from Yeola.It was crafted by the designer duo AbuJani Sandeep Khosla.

Maharashtrian Sarees

The Paithani & Nauvari sarees are a symbol of Maharastrian sarees.

1. Nauvari Saree–Maharashtrian Saree Look

Maharashtrian sarees

Firstly, the Nauvari saree (nine-yard saree) is a cultural symbol of Maharashtra. It resembles a dhoti when worn . The saree is worn in a manner that covers each leg separately and gives the appearance of baggy trousers. As a matter of fact, this style was gracefully showcased in the film “BajiRao Mastani” by actresses Priyanka Chopra & Deepika Padukone. This saree is traditionally paired with a nath,(nosering), green glass bangles, and crescent-shaped bindi. The Nauvari saree is a perfect way to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi festive rituals.

2.Paithani– Maharashtrian Saree

Maharashtrian sarees

Secondly, a Paithani saree is a treasure in every Maharashtrian woman’s wardrobe. These sarees from Paithan region, are known for their lustrous silk, rich zari borders, and iconic motifs like peacocks and lotuses. Wearing a Paithani saree during Ganesh Chaturthi adds grandeur and royal charm to the celebration.

3.Narayanpeth Saree – Elegant and Comfortable

Maharashtrian sarees

If you are looking for something light & festive, the Narayanpeth saree is the perfect choice. It has simple borders and contrasting shades. In addition, it blends tradition with comfort, making it a clear favorite for long hours of puja and cultural festivities.

4.Kolhapuri Saree – Rustic Grace

Maharashtrian sarees

Kolhapuri sarees carry the rustic elegance of Maharashtra’s cultural heartland. Known for bold borders and earthy colors, these sarees are simple yet striking. Further, they are not made of silk, but in cotton or in a mix of cotton & chanderi or some similar fabric.

Above all, Kolhapur is not only renowned for the Kolhapuri chapals, it is also well known for the sarees as well

5.Ilkal Saree – A Regional Favorite

Maharashtrian sarees

Ilkal sarees are originally from the State of Karnataka .However, they are loved in Maharashtra too. They come with unique pallu designs and striking color contrasts. They use cotton in the body of the saree & silk in the border & the pallu. The pallu is attached to the body of the saree by loops.

6. Puneri Cotton- Subtle yet beautiful

Ganesh Chaturthi

Puneri cotton ,commonly known as Pune cotton,is a prominent weave from Maharashtra and symbolizes Pune’s cultural significance. Its intricate & patterned borders reflect ancient & traditional designs. Pune is about 150Kms from Mumbai.

During the Peshwa reign in Maharastra, at the zenith of the mighty Maratha empire, royal women wore the Puneri sarees. The saree is modest in appearance and is accentuated with a strong border techniques.

7. Solapur Cotton Sarees- Light festive Saree

Ganesh Chaturthi

Lastly, Solapur handloom cotton sarees crafted from premium cotton fabric. They are mecerised cotton,that makes the sarees lightweight, breathable and comfortable. It is a perfect choice for everyday wear. They are also easy to carry during the festive season.

7.Himroo Sarees

The Himroo sarees use Persian design & are very distinctive.It is in fact, a fabric made with cotton & silk that is grown in & around Aurangabad (Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar). Himroo weaving involves interweaving silk and cotton threads on a pit-loom to create a soft, durable fabric with a satin-like finish. It is said to have a strong resemblance to kinkhab fabric (brocades of silk woven in gold and silver threads for the royalty). The artisans however, adapted this technique to locally available materials. It hence has a unique texture and is both durable and visually captivating.

It is said that that the Mughal weavers brought this style to Aurangabad when Muhamed Thuglaq moved his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad. The word Himroo Is believed to have been originated from the Persian word Hum rah ,meaning ‘similar or ‘alike’

Finally, read about styling tips for Ganesh Chathurthi

Accessorize with traditional Maharashtrian jewellery – nath, chandrakor bindi and green bangles.The green bangles are considered auspicious in Maharashtra.
Add a waist belt (kamarbandh) for an authentic Nauvari look.
Complete the festive vibe with fresh gajra (flower garlands) in your hair.

In conclusion

Ganesh Chaturthi is not only about devotion but also about honoring traditions. Further, wearing a typical Maharashtrian saree brings cultural pride and elegance to the celebration. Whether you choose the iconic Nauvari, royal Paithani, or graceful Narayanpeth, each saree adds a touch of heritage to the festival.