“Ethnic Wear: Saree Draping Styles Across India”
The saree, one of the most iconic and versatile garments in Indian fashion, represents centuries of tradition, craftsmanship, and regional identity. Worn across India in countless ways, each region has its own unique style of draping a saree, reflecting cultural heritage and local influences. From the graceful pleats of Bengal to the regal drape of Maharashtra, saree draping has evolved to signify not just beauty, but the diversity of Indian culture. In this blog, we’ll take a journey through the different saree draping styles from various regions of India, each carrying its own story and significance. 1. Nivi Style – Andhra Pradesh The Nivi drape, originating from Andhra Pradesh, is the most widely recognized and popular saree style across India today. This style is elegant, practical, and universally flattering, which is why it’s worn by women across the country in daily life, formal events, and even on the runway. How it’s Draped: The saree is wrapped around the waist, and pleats are neatly tucked into the front. The pallu (the loose end) is then draped over the left shoulder. The pleats are aligned in front, creating a formal yet graceful look. Occasions: The Nivi drape is versatile and works for almost every occasion—be it casual wear, office attire, or festive functions. 2. Bengali Style – West Bengal The fascinating manner of draping saree known as Bengali style drape is an age-old style and a regular feature in Indian films especially Bollywood and even in the Durga Puja festival. Its simplicity and sophisticat ion are ordered of draping style as they are to rich cultural back ground of Bengal s history How it’s Draped: To drape a Bengali saree, start by tucking the saree around your waist and bringing it around your body without making pleats. Pull the pallu over your left shoulder and bring it back around to the front of your right shoulder. Secure the pallu with a key ring or brooch for an authentic Bengali look. Occasions: Bengali drape has a certain ancient style and elegance with its vanity it incorporate disturbs during puja s like durga, weddings and other celebrations of people. 3. Maharashtrian Nauvari Style: Maharashtra Nauvari saree drape has to be one of the most creative and distinct way of draping a saree in India. This style of draping the saree is also known as nauvari as in a nine yard draping. It is a style that sings of the shore bravery of the women from maharashta, who would often dress in this way back in the maratha empire. How it is Draped: Start by wrapping the saree around your waist and tucking it in, then pull the fabric between your legs and tuck it at the back like a dhoti. Drape the pallu over your shoulder or across your chest, securing it with pleats for a traditional Nauvari look. Occasions: This attire is frequently spotted during the traditional Maharashtrian festivals, weddings and cultural programs. It is also donned by women active participants in any religious or folk performance. 4. Gujarati Style – Gujarat The main distinguishing feature of the Gujarati saree draping technique is the method of pallu and reverse pleats. Every saree draping style finds its roots in some part of the cultural history, and this one is no different as it even includes cultural aspects of Gujarat and Rajasthan, which naturally fits in those merry occasions like Navratri. How it’s Draped: In this manner the waist pleats a tucked at the back and the pallu is taken from behind the right shoulder across and towards the front over the chest. The pallu end usually is allowed to sag or pinned to the waist. Occasions: This is a common draping style for families particularly during Garba nights of Navratri, weddings and other functions of the culture. 5. Kodagu Style – Karnataka The Kodagu design (Coorg or Kodava saree) features a pattern exclusive to the Kodava people of the Indian state of Karnataka. This style is generally adopted by women commonly at traditional festivals and mass marriages. How it’s Draped: The pleats in this saree drape are formed in the posterior instead of the frontal aspect and the pallu is thrown on the shoulder and fixed in place. It is usually matches with ethnic ‘Coorgi’ styled ornamentation which adds to its beautification. Occasions: This style is majorly done during the marriages and the famous Puthari harvest festival in Coorg. 6. Mundum Neriyathum – Kerala Mundum Neriyathum is the famous saree draping style of Kerala that dates backs centuries. It consists of two unstitched block fabrics, the bottom being worn is the mundu and the top drape is called neriyathu. How it’s Draped: The lower piece of saree (mundu) is firmly wrapped around the waist while the upper piece of saree (neriyathu) is draped over the left shoulder in a manner similar to that of pallu. The saree in this case is white or cream with strips of gold making it quite elegant but not overbling. Occasions: This style is very common during the Onam festival and other traditional events in the state of Kerala. 7. Assamese Mekhela Chador – Assam Mekhela Chador is also an attire typical for Sāmi men and women of Sām. In Assam, a Mekhela Chador is worn instead of a saree which is the costume for the Assamese women. Not a saree in true sense, but it is something that is worn in a similar fashion. How it’s Draped: The Mekhela is a skirt worn below the waist, while the Chador is a piece of cloth that is worn above the waist over the left shoulder. The front of the chador has pleats that are folded down and tucked in. Occasions: The Mekhela Chador is commonly worn in Bihu, weddings, and Assamese cultural functions. 8. Tribal Styles – Jharkhand, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh In certain areas of Jharkhand, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh, tribal women wear their sarees in a certain way