TreeLog

The “nauvari”… 9 yards of beautiful cloth draped in a majestic way creating the “ kashti” or “kashta”, the Maharashtrian  dhoti style saree. Nav means nine in Marathi, referring to the length of the saree.

The “Nauvari” saree is a traditional Maharashtrian outfit which dates back to warrior times in India, where Maratha women went to war and rode horses. The traditional saree was therefore adapted for ease of movement and convenience. The great ladies such as Rani Laxmibhai who fought against the British , Ahilyabhai, Jijabhai, mother of Shivaji Maharaj all fought and led battles wearing their dothi style Maharashtrian saree.

In Mauritius we commonly call this dhoti style of draping as “ kashti” . We wear this outfit during special occasions, weddings and festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi.

Brides can also choose to wear the kashti as their wedding outfit, pairing it with beautiful jewellery and the manduvli ( pearl-like string tied around their forehead). 

Maharashtrian outfits are worn with jewellery such as the nath ( nose ring, kudhi studs, pear-like necklaces and the moon shape bindi ( tikka).

The kashti can be of simple cotton worn during occasions like prayers or made from luxurious fabrics such as silk for weddings. The Paithani style is my favourite with peacocks designs, embroidery and silk fabric.

I have worn the kashti for Ganesh Chaturthi festival this year after a very long time. My cousin did the draping for me, making the pleats and passing the fabric between the legs to make it look like a dhoti ( indian style pants). It is a form of art on its own! Unlike the saree, we wear the kashti with leggings underneath instead of petticoat.

It was fun to dress up, feeling the powerful energy of the Maharashtrian warrior ladies. I hope you enjoy this post and for lady readers, why not try wearing the Nauvari one day ( if you have not tried it yet!).