Kasta sari

2021-09-18T06:58:03Z

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{{short description|Style of sari draping}}
[[File:Brahmin.jpg|thumb|200px|Illustration of woman dressed in kaashta nauvari sari, 1928.]]
The '''Kaashtha sari''' ({{lang-mr|नऊवारी साडी}}) is a style of [[sari]] draping is very similar to the way the Maharashtrian ''[[dhoti]]'' is worn. The word '''Kaashtha''' refers to the sari being tucked at the back.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=irh9dvlLz3MC&q=kacha |title=Indian costume{{Snd}} G. S. Ghurye |access-date=2013-05-20|isbn=8171544037|year=1966|last1=Ghurye |first1=Govind Sadashiv }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lBXdIQVeIS0C&q=kasta+&pg=PA56 |title=Threads together{{Snd}} a comparative study of tribal and pre-historic rock paintings{{Snd}} Robin D. Tribhuwan, Maike Finkenauer |date= 2003-01-01|access-date=2013-05-20|isbn=8171416446|last1=Tribhuwan |first1=Robin D. |last2=Finkenauer |first2=Maike }}</ref> Since this sari is usually worn by using a single nine yard cloth, it is also referred to as '''Nauvari''' which means '''Nine Yards'''.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u7LWAAAAMAAJ&q=nauvari+ |title=Past forward: six artists in search of their childhood{{Snd}} Gowri Ramnarayan |access-date=2013-05-20|isbn=9780195639391|year=1997|last1=Ramnarayan |first1=Gowri }}</ref> '''Sakachcha''' sari is another term commonly used to refer to this style of sari.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vdyBAAAAMAAJ&q=maratha+sari |title=Indian costumes{{Snd}} Arabinda Biswas |access-date=2013-05-20|year=1985|last1=Biswas |first1=Arabinda }}</ref> It is referred to as Akanda Vastra, which means it doesn't need any other attire to support it. In fact, this attire holds utmost importance as women across different walks of life have worn it. It is not just worn at religious and cultural events, but women have fought wars in the past and still work in farmlands wearing this.
<ref name="t">{{cite news|title=Celebrate Maharashtra day by wearing a nauvari|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/fashion/style-guide/Celebrate-Maharashtra-day-by-wearing-a-nauvari/articleshow/52063410.cms|access-date=4 June 2016|work=Times of India|date=May 1, 2016}}</ref>

==Types of draping==

===Traditional drape===
It is the traditional Marathi style of sari which is worn without a petticoat.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M6iyAAAAIAAJ&q=marathi |title=India perspectives, Volume 12, Issues 3-12{{Snd}} India. Ministry of External Affairs |access-date=2013-05-20|year=1997}}</ref> 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 (called brahmni on the other side), while Aagri people from the Raigad district wear it in a knee-length fashion called 'adwa patal', whereas with a small variation the kunbi or the farmer women of the Raigad district and some parts of Ratnagiri as well wear nineyard ( called "uprati") .The name ''uprati'' means upside down, which is because of some folds draping the sari are upside down. One of the special features of ''adwa'' ''patal'' and ''uprati'' ''arethat'' is that these saris are draped without tying knots, though the sari is still very tightly draped.

On the contrary, women from rural Puñe and Satara Ahmed Nagar or Kolhapur wear it to the ankle length which is very popular. Also, Brahmins wear it in a particular way where the border of the sari is displayed on the front side as well, similar to the kashta on the back side. Some details are given below as well.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=irh9dvlLz3MC&q=maratha+sari |title=Indian costume{{Snd}} G. S. Ghurye |access-date=2013-05-20|isbn=8171544037|year=1966|last1=Ghurye |first1=Govind Sadashiv }}</ref> This sari is draped so that its center is neatly placed at the back of the waist and the ends 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.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nXNqTlwhtl0C&q=sakachcha+saree |title=Dress and gender{{Snd}} making and meaning in cultural contexts By Ruth Barnes |date= 1993-04-14|access-date=2013-05-20|isbn=9780854968657|last1=Barnes |first1=Ruth |last2=Eicher |first2=Joanne B. }}</ref> Sayali Badade, an HR executive said, "''A woman who wore a Nauvari was always looked upon with respect. The reason was that both shoulders of women were covered, and it made for a completely traditional wear. The style was originally started and popularised during the Peshwai reign.''"<ref name="t" />

===Koli-style drape===
Women of the [[Kolis|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.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TmDRNTYw49EC&q=kasta&pg=PA272 |title=Encyclopaedic profile of Indian tribes, Volume 1{{Snd}} Sachchidananda, R. R. Prasad |access-date=2013-05-20|isbn=9788171412983|year=1996|last1=Prasad |first1=R. R. }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_1pEAAAAYAAJ&q=koli |title=Saris{{Snd}} an illustrated guide to the Indian art of draping{{Snd}} Chantal Boulanger |date= December 1997|access-date=2013-05-20}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vWnrAAAAMAAJ&q=Koli+saridq |title=Mārg{{Snd}} a magazine of the arts, Volumes 1-2,Modern Architectural Research Group, National Centre for the Performing Arts (India) |access-date=2013-05-20|year=1946}}</ref>

==Usage==
[[File:Lavani 1.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Lavani]] performance by Surekha Punekar in a nine-yard kasta sari.]]

===Traditional usage===
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 contemporary fashion, the trend of wearing nine-yard Kasta sari is picking up fast among 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 sari. 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 them up, now many young girls choose them for their elegant looks. ''Prashant Kolhe, a management executive, said, "''My grandmother used to wear a nine-yard sari. It would look great on her. She used to carry it very well. I guess Indian saris are the best fashion wear available on the globe. You cannot look graceful, trendy and comfortable in any other dress."''<ref name="n">{{cite web |url=http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/mobile.aspx?article=yes&pageid=35&edlabel=TOIPU&mydateHid=05-05-2011&pubname=&edname=&articleid=Ar03500&format=&publabel=TOI |title=Comeback for nau-vari |publisher=Lite.epaper.timesofindia.com |access-date=2013-05-20 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> Women [[dabbawala]]s in Mumbai are dressed in nauvari saris.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2004/feb/77077.htm |title=Meet Mumbai's only women dabbawalas |publisher=Mid-day.com |date=2004-02-24 |access-date=2013-05-20}}</ref>

===Modern usage===
[[File:Maharasthran woman, fisherman's village, Mumbai.jpg|thumb|upright|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.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Srishti Ghosh Shinde|title=Save time with pre-stitched nauvaris this festival|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/fashion/style-guide/Save-time-with-pre-stitched-nauvaris-this-festival/articleshow/48995647.cms|access-date=28 May 2016|date=Sep 17, 2015}}</ref> Sandhya Kenjale, another Kasta sari seller, says, "''I started stitching nineyard saris because I could never drape it properly. For draping a nineyard sari, you should have some guidance for it is a technique to wear it. There are many occasions when women choose to wear nine-yard saris but the drawback is they do not know the technique. Ready-to-wear nine-yard sari 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 saris. 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 saris are priced reasonably. ''"Prashant Shalgar added, "''Marathi movies are responsible for keeping the traditional wear alive. To make it easy, these saris are now stitched and sold in the market.''"<ref name="n" />
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.''"<ref>{{cite news|title=Get the right look this Gudi Padwa|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/fashion/style-guide/Get-the-right-look-this-Gudi-Padwa/articleshow/51740046.cms|access-date=4 June 2016|work=Times of India|date=Apr 8, 2016}}</ref>
[[Shobhaa De]] told in her blog that she suggested to [[Mukesh Ambani]] that the cheerleaders of [[Mumbai Indians]] wear the traditional nine yard kasta sari and perform dance routines for the local lavani.<ref>{{cite web|author=Shobhaa De |url=http://shobhaade.blogspot.com/2010/04/whole-nine-yards.html |title=Shobhaa De |publisher=Shobhaade.blogspot.com |date=2010-04-13 |access-date=2013-05-20}}</ref>

===Reduction in usage===
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nitawriter.wordpress.com/2008/08/12/sari-an-immodest-garment/ |title=Sari an immodest garment? |publisher=Nitawriter.wordpress.com |access-date=2013-05-20}}</ref>

==Bollywood==
[[File:Vidya Balan performs Lavani to promote 'Ferrari Ki Sawaari' (5).jpg|thumb|upright|Vidya Balan performs Lavani in a kasta sari to promote ''[[Ferrari Ki Sawaari]]'']]
Women adorning kasta saris are seen in some [[Bollywood]] films, although they are mostly worn in song sequences. Generally, in modern Bollywood fashion, the [[Sari|pallu]] is fully wrapped around the waist rather than on the shoulder and to cover the blouse or choli folded [[Dupatta|chunri]] of contrast color is pinned up. Also, the hairstyle on is step-cut up to shoulder length with smart nose ring or Nath and Chandrakor Bindi.<ref>[http://www.pramanik.in/How_to_%20tie_or_wear_saree.html Different drapping styles of Regional Sarees] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020163911/http://www.pramanik.in/How_to_%20tie_or_wear_saree.html |date=October 20, 2011 }}</ref>

The most famous example of Kasta sari in Bollywood is the song sequence of "Humko Aaj Kal Hai Intezaar" in the film ''[[Sailaab (1990 film)|Sailaab]]'' (1990) featuring [[Madhuri Dixit]] in a yellow and green Kasta sari.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mouthshut.com/review/Ten-Best-Picturised-Songs-of-Bollywood-review-noommmlur |title=Ten Best Picturised Songs of Bollywood |publisher=Mouthshut.com |access-date=2013-05-20}}</ref> Another recent example is of Kim Sharma in the film ''[[Tom, Dick, and Harry (2006 film)|Tom, Dick, and Harry]]'' (2006). She played the role of Bijlee, a fisherwoman, for which she appeared in Kasta saris of different color throughout the entire film.<ref>[http://www.satyapaul.com/new-arrivals.html Indian Bollywood Designer Saree Collection - Gauri Khan]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodpremiere.com/movies/news/06/apr/kim-3.php |title=Kim Sharma plays a fisherwoman in 'Tom, Dick and Harry' |publisher=Bollywoodpremiere.com |access-date=2013-05-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shaaditimes.com/celebrities/celebrity-news/kim-sharma-060404 |title=Coming of age{{Snd}} Kim Sharma |publisher=Shaaditimes.com |date=2008-10-17 |access-date=2013-05-20}}</ref>

The first look and promos of ''[[Agneepath (2012 film)|Agneepath]]'', the 2012 remake of the 1990 [[Agneepath (1990 film)|Hindi film of the same name]] was released which featured actress [[Katrina Kaif]] dancing for an item song "[[Chikni Chameli]]" in a yellow kasta sari.<ref>{{cite web|author=Renuka Vyavahare, TNN Dec 19, 2011, 07.11PM IST |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-19/news-interviews/30533761_1_chikni-chameli-marathi-song |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708051745/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-19/news-interviews/30533761_1_chikni-chameli-marathi-song |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-07-08 |work=[[The Times of India]] |title=Katrina wows as Chikni Chameli, surpasses Sheila! |access-date=2013-05-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/katrina-continued-shooting-for-chikni-chameli-despite-an-injury/885852/ |title=Katrina continued shooting for 'Chikni Chameli' despite an injury |publisher=Indianexpress.com |date=2011-12-09 |access-date=2013-05-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/katrina-kaif-katrina-kaif%C3%A2%E2%82%AC%E2%84%A2s-item-number-chikni-chameli-agneepath/1/164332.html |title=Katrina Kaif dazzles as Chikni Chameli in Agneepath |publisher=Indiatoday.intoday.in |date=2011-12-15 |access-date=2013-05-20}}</ref> Actress [[Vidya Balan]] dressed in a red kasta sari along with lavani dancers performed live on stage her latest item number "Mala Jau De" for the audience, from Vidhu Vinod Chopra's upcoming film ''[[Ferrari Ki Sawaari]]''. She told she was inspired from Madhuri Dixit's performance from Sailaab.<ref>{{cite news|title=Vidya Balan performs lavani on stage|url=http://www.ndtv.com/album/listing/entertainment/vidya-balan-performs-lavani-on-stage-13130/slide/1|access-date=29 May 2012|newspaper=NDTV}}</ref> In 2015, actresses [[Deepika Padukone]] and [[Priyanka Chopra]] featured in nauvari saris for a dance sequence in the film [[Bajirao Mastani]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=STACEY YOUNT|title=MORE ABOUT PINGA FROM BAJIRAO MASTANI|url=http://bollyspice.com/more-about-pinga-from-bajirao-mastani/|access-date=3 June 2016|work=Bolly Spice|date=November 17, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=moumita bhattacharjee|title=Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra performing Pinga in Bajirao Mastani and not lavani|url=http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/deepika-padukone-and-priyanka-chopra-performing-pinga-in-bajirao-mastani-and-not-lavani/|website=bollywoodlife.com|access-date=3 June 2016}}</ref> Anju Modi, the costume designer for the film stated, "I do hope that after this movie, the nauvari sari makes a comeback."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Aastha Atray Banan|title=Anju Modi on designing costumes for Bajirao Mastani|url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/anju-modi-on-designing-costumes-for-bajirao-mastani/16703161|access-date=4 June 2016|work=Mid Day|date=November 22, 2015}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
* [https://medium.com/@mazhinauvari/indian-traditional-clothing-style-4c112e839333 "Indian Traditional Clothing Style"]

{{Sari}}
{{Clothing in South Asia}}

[[Category:Saris]]
[[Category:Marathi clothing]]

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Kasta sari