Incredible India: Know all about the pride and joy of Puneri Pagadis

The state of Maharashtra has always carried a captivating history and culture, one that reflects both tradition and bravery. Today, it is known as the home of Bollywood and the fashion industry, but in earlier times it was the seat of power for the mighty Maratha Empire. Amidst its rugged terrains lies the ‘Queen of the Deccan’, the city of Pune. Steeped in history and architecture, this modern IT hub is also renowned for its signature Puneri Pagadi, a turban that originated during the Peshwa era and continues to hold prominence even today. With the auspicious festival of Ganesh Chaturthi around the corner, let’s take a closer look at this symbol of honour and pride for the Marathas.

The roots of the Puneri Pagadi date back 400 years, to a time when society was divided into various social classes. Among them were the Kostis, skilled artisans who became the stewards of the Puneri Pagadi tradition. Members of the Kosti community would personally visit homes to craft these stunning turbans for male patrons. Over time, this practice evolved into a revered and culturally significant ritual.
(Image Credits: Pinterest)

This was a meticulous process, as Kostis used around 65 metres of fabric, featuring 9 inches in width for each creation. This fabric was then dipped in starch water, ensuring that the intricate folds held their shape. The base of the pagadi was not always moulded, as the skilled artisans used their knees, heads, and sometimes wooden logs to do so. But, because of the secret starch treatment, these Puneri Pagadis lasted for 15 days, after which the Kostis again used to visit the homes and create fresh pagadis, keeping the tradition alive.
(Image Credits: Pinterest)

Six key components come together to form this traditional headwear. Koka is the first, which sits right above the eye. Jartar is next, which are the gold-coloured ribbons dangling from the right side of the forehead. The Math is known to be the third section, which seamlessly flows from the Koka. Then, there is the Jari, which is a silky golden strip that is placed right next to the Jartar and behind the Koka. Ghera is then added, which is a luxurious piece of fabric elegantly draped around the entire pagadi, which includes Astar that provides comfort on the inside of the pagadi. And, lastly, the Kamal, which is tasked with protecting against the blazing heat. All six together make up the popular Puneri Pagadi, which is created after measuring the wearer’s head size.

(Image Credits: Pinterest)

As the Puneri Pagadi boasts a unique six-part construction, the colour also plays a major role. Traditionally, the base colour is mostly white, with the skilled artisans incorporating natural dyes obtained from vegetables and fruits for a hint of vibrant variation. In today’s date, most of the Puneri Pagadis are bright red, where the makers usually include luxurious materials like silk and satin, replacing the traditional cotton touch.

(Image Credits: Pinterest)

(Image Credits: Pinterest)