Nauvari saree is a nine-yard saree of yore compared to the six or eight-yard types elsewhere in India. It stands out due to its unique draping style, lending that finishing touch to the entire look of the bride. Its typical draping style involves the saree being wrapped over the waist and then tucked back at the rear, again being swept around the back, and taken back to be tucked in once more at the back, with the petticoat underneath. It is typically accompanied by a choli (blouse) and a traditional pheta (a turban) for the groom in some regional traditions.
The Nauvari saree is generally associated with strength and power. The bride who wears this saree symbolizes preparation to be a marriage partner, capable of infusing power and stability into her household. It is a vital part of the wedding tradition in Maharashtra. Wearing it on the wedding day reflects a deep respect for the age-old cultural tradition and family heritage that has been passed down through generations. The Nauvari saree's practical, yet elegant folds symbolize the bride's acceptance of her role as home-maker and wife. It represents her dedication to her responsibilities and the serene harmony that she will share in the home.
The Nauvari saree is also believed to be a symbol of fertility and prosperity. The nine yards of cloth that make up the saree symbolize wholeness, and the way it is draped symbolizes the bride's transition into her new life where she will now care for and guard her family. The hues of the saree, typically deep and rich, are also auspicious and are believed to bring good fortune to the couple.
While the Nauvari saree is rich in tradition as well as cultural connotations, it also has a certain aesthetic appeal. Dressed with panache, it gives the bride an elegance and a grace that is matched by none. The saree is sometimes presented to the bride by her maternal family, giving emotional significance to the dress.
During the wedding day, the bride wears the Nauvari saree during the core ceremony, typically as she walks around the sacred fire during the saptapadi (seven vows) or pheras. This symbolizes the bride's commitment to the marriage vows and emotional and spiritual commitment to her husband. The traditional draping style of the saree, combined with the gravity of the rituals, contributes to the sanctity of the wedding and the bride's role in the union.
While traditionally an integral part of the wedding ceremonies of the state, modern brides are increasingly looking to the saree because of its timelessness and heritage.
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