Gudi Padwa is one of the biggest spring festivals of India. It signifies renewal, prosperity, and victory. Also known as the Maharashtrian New Year falls on the first day of the Chaitra month according to the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival’s name comes from ‘Gudi’, where a flag pole is decorated with bright silk cloth, mango leaves, neem leaves, and a garlanded pot at the top.
People wear bright clothes to signify new beginnings. If you too want to celebrate this festival in the Maharashtrian way, then keep going, because this blog is going to talk about Gudi Padwa traditional dress ideas, and how you can keep it classy and follow the age-old rituals at the same time!
Gudi Padwa Outfits for Women
There is a big box of ideas on how you can style a Gudi Padwa traditional dress. Let’s look at some of them:
Sarees:
A classic outfit, sarees are a preferred choice for women during Gudi Padwa. Here are the best picks:
-
Nauvari Saree: Usually a nine-yard saree, it is most popular in Maharashtra. It has gold borders and zari work and is usually seen in saffron, green, or royal blue colors. The dhoti-style drape adds a touch of culture to the saree.
-
Paithani Saree: Another saree from Maharashtra, this is made from silk, and has signature peacock and lotus motifs. Decorated with gold or silver zari work, you will find the Paithani saree in rich color combinations: purple and gold, red and green, or pink and orange.
-
Kanjivaram Saree: The Kanjivaram saree is of South Indian origin, but has become a popular Gudi Padwa dress. It has a shiny texture with bold borders and intricate patterns. This gives it a royal look, with vibrant colors like red, maroon or emerald green.
-
Banarasi Silk Saree: Known for its delicate brocade work, this saree too adds a regal touch to any occasion. It has floral motifs, as well as fine gold and silver zari work, which makes it a very good option for Gudi Padwa outfits.
-
Chanderi and Maheshwari Sarees: These are lightweight and elegant, usually a blend of cotton and silk with delicate embroidery. You will find these sarees in soft pastel shades, as well as in jewel tones with gold borders. Their light weight makes them easy to carry, making them comfortable and graceful at the same time.
If you want to change your style this year and are looking for some alternate options, then consider:
Lehengas:
A vibrant lehenga-choli with heavy embroidery and mirror work is a great way to celebrate Gudi Padwa. Pair it with brightly colored dupattas; red, yellow, or green, and add a pop of vibrancy to the festival!
Anarakalis:
A flowy, full-length Anarkali suit, in silk, or georgette fabrics will add a divine charm to your already festive look. Pair with statement earrings and bangles to complete the look.
Kurta Sets and Dupatta:
If you want a more simple, yet graceful look, a silk or cotton kurta set will do the trick. Choose one with embroidery or zari work, and pair it with a Banarasi dupatta will add a traditional touch to the entire outfit.
Indo-Western Fusion Wear:
You can pair dhoti pants with short kurtis or crop tops with embroidered lehenga skirts. Another option is to wear jacket-style kurtas for a modern yet festive feel. You can accessorize these outfits with traditional jewelry, or a gajra (flower garland) and wear make-up to add to the look!
How To Get Ready For Gudi Padwa With Traditional Saree Look?
Wondering how you can style that perfect Gudi Padwa outfit with a saree? Then here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Choose your Saree.
There are many options: designer, silk, nauvari, paithani and chanderi. You can even pick a saree with other fabrics, like satin, georgette, or a lightweight one like cotton or chiffon.
Step 2: Style or drape it in any way you like.
Once you have chosen the saree you want, the next step is to drape it, and you have a lot of options for that as well:
-
Kashta: This drape is mostly done for Nauvari and Paithani sarees, and has pleats tucked at the back and front, much like a dhoti.
-
Nivi Style: This classic draping style sees the pleats tucked in the front and the pallu over the shoulder.
-
Peshwa Nauvari Drape: Although the same as the Kashta drape, it has finer pleats, a high pallu, and a more sophisticated wrap for a more royal touch to the Gudi Padwa dress.
Step 3: Accessorize the Look
Traditional Maharashtrian Gudi Padwa outfits for women are not complete without jewelry: the Nath (nose ring), a gold necklace, green bangles, gold bracelets, and finally, a pearl maang teeka.
You can also wear kolhapuri chappals or juttis and add a potli bag for that final festive touch!
Traditional Attire for Men
The fun part about Gudi Padwa outfits for men is that they are both traditional and elegant. Here are some outfit options:
Kurta Pajama and Dhoti Kurta:
They are both timeless choices for the festival, as they offer comfort and a touch of culture.
-
Kurta-Pajama:
-
Many stores like Suvidha Fashion sell kurta pajama sets in silk and cotton, both of which are great for comfort and style.
-
You could go for yellow, saffron, white, cream, red, or pastel colors for the ideal Gudi Padwa outfit.
-
If you want to add a subtle elegance, then an embroidered or self-patterned kurta will be a good choice.
-
Dhoti Kurta:
-
The dhoti can be worn with a contrasting or matching silk kurta for a classic Maharashtrian look.
-
You will get pre-stitched dhotis that will make it easy to wear.
-
Pair it with a waistcoat or stole to improve the look.
Sherwanis and Waistcoat Combinations:
Sherwanis make for a refined and formal Gudi Padwa outfit for men, and there are many options, like:
-
Rich Brocade, Banarasi Silk or Chanderi Sherwanis in gold, maroon or deep blue for a regal look.
-
They are traditionally paired with churidar pants or a dhoti, which are great for a grand style.
Waistcoat Combinations:
-
For extra flair, you can wear a printed Nehru jacket or silk waistcoat over a simple Kurta-Pajama for a semi-formal look, ideal for office events.
-
Go for the popular colors, like mustard, royal blue, or deep red, and pair it with neutral kurtas.
Accessories:
-
Turban: A pheta, or pagdi, symbolizes pride and tradition in the Maharashtrian culture.
-
Mojris or Kolhapuri Sandals: These are the best choice for footwear; both stylish and comfortable.
-
Brooches or Rudraksha Malas: Finally, add to the festive vibe with small gold or pearl brooches or Rudraksha malas.
Festive Wear for Children.
Styling a Gudi Padwa outfit for children is very different; more than style, it is about comfort and tradition. The clothes should make movement easy during the celebrations.
For girls:
-
Miniature Sarees: Go for pre-stitched or draped Nauvari sarees. Not only are they perfect for the festival, but make for an adorable choice as well!
-
Lehengas and Anarkalis: Choose an embroidered lehenga choli or Anarkali suit in cotton silk. It will keep them comfortable.
For Boys:
-
Kurta Pajama: A pair of lightweight cotton or silk kurtas with simple embroidery or printed patterns will keep them comfortable.
-
Dhoti Kurta: A pre-stitched dhoti with a short kurta will be an easy-to-wear outfit, and add to the traditional vibe.
-
Sherwanis: A simple sherwani paired with churidar pants is the best pick for formal celebrations.
Regional Variations in Traditional Attire
Each region of Maharashtra has different cultures, traditions, and styles, that play a part in influencing Gudi Padwa traditional outfit ideas. For example:
Maharashtra:
-
Pune: People prefer the classic Nauvari silk sarees, paired with a Saaj necklace and gold bangles.
-
Mumbai: The city sees a mix of traditional and modern fusion wear; Paithani sarees with contemporary blouses.
-
Nagpur: Brightly colored Paithani and Banarasi sarees with heavy embellishments and contrasting blouses.
Influence of Neighboring States:
-
Gujarat: The traditional Gujarati Bandhani prints and vibrant mirror work lehengas significantly influenced some of the traditional Gudi Padwa outfits for women.
-
South India: Many women like to wear Kanjivaram sarees from South India. They are usually in bold colors with thick zari borders.
-
Rajasthan: Embroidered jackets and vibrant turbans add a touch of Rajasthani royalty to Gudi Padwa outfits for men
Here is a tip on how you can fuse multiple cultures in one outfit:
-
Women can pair a Maharashtrian Nauvari saree with Rajasthani jewelry.
-
Men can wear a Gujarati Bandhani dupatta over a Kurta-Pajama set and create a new trend.
Accessorizing Your Gudi Padwa Outfit
Accessories help in improving the beauty of any outfit, and complete the look, giving it a festive flair.
Lastly, you need to accessorize:
-
Jewelry:
-
Nath, or the traditional Maharashtrian nose ring made with beads, gemstones, and gold.
-
The Kolhapuri Saaj is a gold necklace unique to the state and will add a nice regal look to the outfit.
-
Green bangles are a traditional addition to the outfit, often accompanied by gold bracelets.
-
Mundavalya, or a pearl headband usually made of pearls is popular. To match, add a pair of pearl jhumkas.
-
Footwear and bags:
For Women:
-
Kolhapuri chappals, juttis, or gold sandals will add a bit of extra sparkle to your Gudi Padwa dress.
-
They will also be comfortable and traditional, and pair well with lehengas or sarees.
For Men:
-
Kolhapuri sandals or leather mojris are a classic ethnic choice.
-
Or, you can also wear Juttis with embroidery for a richer look.
-
Hair and Makeup
For women:
-
Wear your hair in a bun and add a flower garland for an elegant look.
-
Braid, and add gold pins for a festive style.
Makeup:
-
Keep it bold with kajal-rimmed eyes for a striking look.
-
Add a red or maroon bindi for a traditional touch.
-
A soft golden or peach highlighter will give your face a festive glow!
Conclusion
Gudi Padwa symbolizes new beginnings and celebrates culture. The outfit you choose does not matter: a classic Nauvari saree, or an Indo-western fusion; what makes a difference is that you honor the tradition, while still adding your personal touch!
So be bold. Experiment with looks by pairing modern blouses with conventional sarees and statement jewelry for a unique style. Men can mix the classic kurta with a more contemporary jacket for a fresh look.
There will always be many Gudi Padwa traditional outfits, and the festival is the best time you have to embrace tradition and blend it with your modern tastes for an incredible new style. If you are still confused about your outfit, then choose Suvidha Fashions for all your needs.
Here, you will find a wide range of sarees, lehengas, Anarkali suits for women, Kurta Pajama and Dhoti kurta sets for men, as well as Indo-Western outfit ideas! You also get a collection of traditional yet comfortable Gudi Padwa dresses for kids. Take your pick by browsing the online store, or visit the complete family store in Dadar.
Happy Gudi Padwa, celebrate it, in style!
