A Tale of 9 Yards

Hello people, it has been a while since I wrote something for you. It was a long Vacation back home in Bangalore, India. It was when I thought what should be my next blog on and that was the time my DH (Dear Husband) grandmother gifted me 2 of our 9 yards Saree. I couldn’t believe my happiness because by now you all know how much I love draping the most elegant clothing.

Elegance, Poise, Feminine and so much more when I say an Indian woman wear a Saree; no wonder it is still high on fashion trends when it comes to ethnic wear. Most commonly a Saree comes in a 6 yard fabric but the length varies across India. 9 yards are still used in few of the South Indian States and in Maharashtra. The Fabric varies from Pure Silk, heavily intricate design and motifs to a Simple Cotton with little but beautiful motifs hand loomed.  

 (L) Nauvari (R) Madisar 

The most common types of 9 yards drapes are from Tamil and Maharashtrian Brahmins. But there are many other drapes in the said regions like a Nauvari  (Typical 9 yard drape), Lavni (Dancers Style drape), Peshwa (Typical 9 yard drape with a little twist), Olakachche (Pant Style drapes found in South Karnataka), Horakachche (Pant Style drapes found in North Karnataka and similar to Nauvari because the influence from Maharashtra), Iyer and Iyengar Madisar (Pant Style drapes with a little variations where the pallu falls from Right Shoulder and Left Shoulder).

These Saree is worn without the underskirt, neatly pleated on the waist and thrown over the shoulder with variations in tucking the fabrics in different regions. Covering from head to toe, this is the most elegant look with good old traditional ornaments accessorized along. Pant Style 9 yards are not only Elegant and also very practical, be it walking for miles, doing regular chores at home. In cities 6 yard saree is taken over by 9 yard saree but when it comes to functions and wedding, ladies wouldn’t give a miss to drape one 9 yard saree passed on from generations.

Getting on with Flower Decorations for the House and Deity

Let us get back in time and see how our grandmothers wore 9 yards saree and did their daily chores. Thanks to my younger sister who was ready to model for me. Nowadays a lot of cross culture weddings are taking place so we draped ourselves into these beautiful 9 yards. I have been married to a Marathi descendants and my younger sister to a Tamil descendants who have settled in Bangalore for many years so we dressed accordingly. Photography: DH.

Early Morning Temple Visit to Seek the Blessings

Decorating the Front Yard with Rangoli

Offering Haldi and Kumkum to Married Women

Playing Chouka-Bara during Leisure to Improve the Thinking Skills

Playing Fugdi to maintain Physical Strength

Having Fun by Playing Hopscotch 

I had so much fun creating this for you guys because for the love you pour. If you like this Blog, Please Share it with your friends and family and of course comment and let me know which picture was the best you thought was and what should I write next. Until then Bye.