Kasta sari

It is the traditional Marathi style of sari which is worn without a petticoat.[6] This style of sari draping is common among all the castes but the way of draping differs according to the region and topography as well. For example, Brahmin women wear it in a particular way which is called as brahmni on the other side aagri people from the raigad district wear it in a knee length fashion is called as 'adwa patal' whereas with a small variation the kunbi or the farmer women of raigad district and some parts of ratnagiri as well wear nineyard which is called as "uprati" .The name uprati means up side down which is because of some folds while draping the saree are up side down. One of the special features of adwa patal and uprati arethat these sarees are draped without tying knots but still the saree is very tightly draped. On contrary to this women from rural Puñe and Satara Ahmed Nagar or Kolhapur, wear it to the ankle length which is very popular. Also, the Brahmins wear it in a particular way where the border of the saree is displayed on the front side as well, similar to the kashta on the back Side. Some details are given below as well.[7] This sari is draped in a way that the center of the sari is neatly placed at the back of the waist and the ends of the sari are tied securely in the front, and then the two ends are wrapped around the legs. The decorative ends are then draped over the shoulder and the upper body or torso.[8] Sayali Badade, an HR executive said, "A woman who wore a Nauvari was always looked upon with respect. The reason being both the shoulders of the women are covered, and it makes for a completely traditional wear. The style was originally started and popularised from the Peshwai reign".[5]

Women of the Koli tribe also wear this style of sari but cut into two pieces. One piece is worn around the waist while the other piece is used to cover the upper part of the body. It is taken on the head over the left shoulder in the Maratha fashion.[9][10] The Koli women are decorative with both dress and ornament and this sari of nine yards of cotton fabric is draped adeptly over the hips so that the figure is graceful in movement.[11]

The traditional 'nauvari' retains its charm even in the modern age. Also known as 'Lugada', this sari is now regularly worn mostly by elderly Maharashtrian women. However, in the contemporary fashion, the trend of wearing nine-yard Kasta sari is picking up fast in the younger lot that wants to keep the age-old Marathi tradition alive. It requires perfect technique, practice and perfection to wear a nine-yard saree. Mostly worn in dance competitions, "lavani" and Maharashtrian folk dance, the Kasta sari has surely made a great come back in the fashion industry. Prashant Shalgar, a nine-yard Kasta sari seller, said, "It has always been in demand. Though earlier only elder generation women would pick up these sarees but now many young girls go for it for its elegant looks. Prashant Kolhe, a management executive, said, "My grandmother used to wear nine-yard saree. It would look great on her. She used to carry it very well. I guess Indian sarees are the best fashion wear available on the globe. You cannot look graceful, trendy and comfortable in any other dress.[12] Women dabbawalas in Mumbai are dressed in nauvari saris.[13]

Maharasthran fisherwoman in a kasta sari.

To make the wearing more easy and comfortable, the market is all set to sell stitched Kasta sari for those who love drape it.[14] Sandhya Kenjale, another Kasta sari seller, says, "I started stitching nineyard sarees because I could never drape it properly. For draping a nineyard saree, you should have some guidance for it is a technique to wear it. There are many occasions when women choose to wear nine-yard sarees but the drawback is they do not know the technique. Ready-to-wear nine-yard saree is the perfect solution for such problems. Just wear it like a salwar put the pallu over the shoulder and you are dressed in few minutes. Also, teen-aged girls are seen wearing it in their school or college gatherings. Many brides are now taking help of such ready-to-wear nine-yard sarees. With a wide range of them available in the market, buyers have a lot of choice. Available in Bangalore silk, Belgaum silk, pure silk, Orissa silk, nine-yard sarees are priced reasonably. "Prashant Shalgar added, "Marathi movies are responsible for keeping the traditional wear alive. To make it easy, these sarees are now stitched and sold in the market".[12] Stylist Pradnya Bhalekar stated, "You can wear a stitched Nauvari like a salwar. It is as simple as wearing your favourite pair of denims. Besides, you don't have to worry that the drape might come off".[15] Shobhaa De in her blog told that she suggested to Mukesh Ambani that the cheerleaders of Mumbai Indians can wear the traditional nine yard kasta sari and perform dance routines for the local lavani.[16]

On the contrary, some consider the Kasta sari has fallen out of favour currently. It is considered far too revealing. It is rarely seen in the cities. This type of sari is regularly made fun of in films, portrayed as some sort of "sexy" garment, meant to titillate. In reality the Kasta sari embodies freedom for women. In a way it is similar to the dhoti as it allows leg movement and the ankles are left free. But today the Kasta sari will only be considered decent if distorted to hide every inch of a woman's body.[17]