Ottawa: An Indian woman living in Canada chose to wear a traditional Maharashtrian nauvari saree for her Canadian citizenship oath ceremony, celebrating her roots as she shared the video of the experience on social media.
Divya Lotikar wore the ensemble for the Canada Citizenship Oath Ceremony, complete with a traditional nath (nose pin) and bindi on her forehead. She shared photographs of her ensemble on Instagram, where many praised her for choosing a saree.
“Today marks one of the most significant milestones of my life. Wearing a nauvari saree that carries strength, dignity, resilience, and continuity, this moment reflects years of perseverance, adaptation and quiet determination,” Divya said in an Instagram post that shows her posing with her Canadian citizenship certificate while dressed in a saree.
While sharing the video on Instagram, she reasserted her love for her motherland. “Proud to be where I am without forgetting where I’m from. Keeping my roots alive,” she wrote.
The ceremony is a formal event where new citizens officially take the Oath of Citizenship, pledging allegiance to Canada and its laws. Only after taking the oath do applicants officially become Canadian citizens.
A nauvari saree, which is also known as lugade or kaashtha, is a traditional Maharashtrian garment that measures nine yards, unlike the standard six-yard saree. It is uniquely draped in a dhoti-style that allows ease of movement while symbolizing strength, practicality, and cultural heritage.
