Maharashtrians tend to be more simply dressed for wedding occasions. As a result, their wedding attires are less “flashy” compared to the rest of South Asia subcontinent, yet still filled with traditional dress and styles.
To keep up with the guide, here’s the index:
Maharashtrian Wedding: Introduction
Maharashtrian Engagement/Pre-Wedding Traditions
Maharashtrian Wedding Traditions
Maharashtrian Post-Wedding Traditions
Maharashtrian Groom’s Attire – You are here!
Maharashtrian Food and Desserts
Kurta
Photo courtesy of bestmhendidesigns.blogspot.com.
A Maharashtrian groom typically wears a dhoti kurta, which is the traditional male outfit for Hindu ceremonies. It consists of a long shirt (kurta) and loose-fitting, pleated pants called a dhoti. The outfit can be made of material ranging from cotton to silk, but Maharashtrians prefer a plain, cotton-blend that is embroidered with gold or silver designs.
The wedding dhoti however, is usually silk and in a brighter color like purple, magenta, blue.
Compared to the to the intricate designs on a Paithani saree’s border, the groom’s kurta is less decorated – but still having similar motifs.
Jewelry
The groom also adorns gold jewelry that is passed down from older generations of relatives. Gold rings are worn, as well as pearls around the head. The headpiece, unique to Maharashtrian weddings, is made of white flowers, golden string, and pearls. It is worn by both the bride and the groom during the wedding ceremony.
Accessories
A Maharashtrian groom also wears a piece of decorated cloth across his right shoulder. It is commonly red or gold to stand out against his white outfit. This cloth is tied together with the bride’s saree pallu when the couple walks around the matrimonial fire seven times to cement their marriage bond.
Some grooms may also wear a turban, known as a petha, while others may wear simple cap or topi.
Maharastrian grooms’ outfits, like most grooms around the world, are simple and elegant yet significant to the community.