Draping a Mahalaya Saree: Step-by-Step Guide for the Perfect Look

Mahalaya, a significant Hindu festival marking the beginning of the Devi Paksha, is celebrated with great fervor. One of the most striking aspects of this festival is the traditional attire worn by women: the Mahalaya saree. What distinguishes the Mahalaya saree is the deep and beautiful color, beautiful and detailed pattern, and the meaning of the ornamentation. So, if you are thinking to wear this exquisite garment then read this article to get a proper guideline of how to wear a Mahalaya saree.

Understanding the Basics

Mahalaya Saree is one of the sarees, belonging to the category of Bengali sarees that is very popular today. Now, before we proceed the draping let us first know about why Mahalaya saree different from others or make it special.

• Colors: Originally Mahalaya sarees are of only red or maroon colour, which is signifying the energy and passion linked with the festival of Durga Puja. But the more recent models embrace other colors such as gold, yellow, and green.
• Fabric: Traditional Mahalaya sarees are manufactured with either silk or cotton fabrics because of their rich texture they offer.
• Designs: The motifs associated with the sarees have sophisticated unbelievable designs that need to be created from the Hindu myths such as floral designs, geometry designs, and the images of gods.

Essential Accessories

• Blouse: A blouse in the same color or in a different color that is popularly adorned with embroidery or beads.
• Jewelry: In jewellery section one can add necklaces and bracelets, earrings and bangles, and rings that are characteristic of the Indian culture.
• Pallu: The part of the saree which is left unsewn and placed over the shoulder and across the chest.
• Petticoat: An underskirt or petticoat to give the dress the fullness it required.

Step-by-Step Draping Guide

1. Put on the Petticoat: The first layer should be the petticoat. It should also be the same size or length as that of the saree.
2. Tuck in the Saree: It should be worn from right side across the belly in such a way that it covers the upper part of the saree. Roll the endings up neatly then tuck them into the petticoat.
3. Create the First Pleat: Now fold the remaining portion of the saree with a clean pleat. Pinch this pleat and sew it onto the petticoat on the right side.
4. Continue Pleating: Now make more pleats of equal measurements and draw these into the petticoat on the side that is right.
5. Drape the Saree: Tuck the saree across your bust line and then bring it over your left shoulder. The end should be left unstitched and kept dangling on the left side of your body, just over your arm.
6. Create the Second Pleat: Fold a small piece of pallu and make a fold on it. The next fold should be tucked on the left side running down to the petticoat.
7. Continue Pleating: Make more folds with the pallu and place them on the side of the petticoat which is left.
8. Adjust the Pallu: Tuck the pallu to the length you prefer and let it fall on your left side of the shoulder. It can also be worn in several manners; for instance, you may tuck the longer part of the dress on the back over the petticoat.
9. Accessorize: After that complete your look with the selected jewelry and blouse.

Tips for a Perfect Drape

• Practice: The best way to perfect the Mahalaya saree drape is to practice. And don’t worry to the first few attempts doesn’t work successfully.
• Fit: Make sure you are proportional to the saree. An excessively loose or tight saree can give a feeling of oppression and will spoil the fall of the saree.
• Fabric: Even the material used in the saree may affect its drape. Silk sarees are usually easier to drape than cotton sarees.
• Confidence: The most important thing is to feel like a real model wearing your outfit. This implies that maintain a good posture adds beauty to whatever you are wearing.

If you follow these steps and the tips mentioned above you can easily drape a Mahalaya saree and enjoy this festival without any hesitation. Remember this always, the beauty in Mahalaya saree does not only lie in the design on the dress, but in how it is worn. Therefore, welcome the tradition, and have fun while trying on the final touch to your Mahalaya look!