The Maharashtrians are very simple people – so their wedding attire tends to be less bedazzled and ornamented than other Indian groups. However, Maharashtrians go all out when it comes to displaying their vibrant color preferences and gold jewelry!
First, here’s the index to the wedding guide, in case you missed a piece:
Maharashtrian Wedding: Introduction
Maharashtrian Engagement/Pre-Wedding Traditions
Maharashtrian Wedding Traditions
Maharashtrian Post-Wedding Traditions
Maharashtrian Food and Desserts
Common colors found on a Maharashtrian bride include gold, yellows, and green. However, the saree worn during the day of the wedding ceremony is marigold or yellow with green or orange borders.
Paithani Style Sarees
Photo courtesy of exoticindiaart.com.
Paithani saree, made of gold and silk, and are traditional attire for Maharashtrian brides. They can also be worn for major events. They have thick, oblique-square designs on the borders, with motifs of kaleidoscopes, peacocks, parrots in the pallu of the saree. Paithani silk sarees tend to be only one or a dual color with embellished golden borders. They can take a month to hand weave, and true Paitani saris comes from the city of Paitan.
Nauvari Sarees
Photo courtesy of marathistars.com.
In ancient times, brides wore nauvari sarees. This design has a trouser-like appearance, since the nine-yard-long saree (compared to the usual six yards) is wrapped around each leg to create a “pant” instead of the long skirt usually associated with a saree. Nauvari sarees are supposed to be more comfortable – and they don’t require a petticoat either.
Historically, Maharashtrian women – mainly Goan fisherwomen – wore these sarees to represent their equality with men as workers. With these comfortable sarees, women could do physical labor alongside the men!
Shoes
The bride wears some form of flat shoes. They are supposed to be gifted to her by her mama (mother’s brother) for good luck.