Divya Lotikar's Cultural Statement at Canadian Citizenship Ceremony
When Divya Lotikar entered the room to take her Canadian citizenship oath, she carried more than just her official documents. She brought a piece of Maharashtra with her, wrapped in six yards of tradition and pride.
A Traditional Choice for a Milestone Moment
This proud Canadian Marathi mulgi chose to mark one of the most significant moments of her life wearing a traditional Nauvari saree, complete with a classic nath nose ring and a neat bindi. Instead of opting for Western gowns or formal power suits, Divya selected the graceful folds of Maharashtrian heritage to accompany her through this important transition.
The pictures she later shared on Instagram resonated deeply with viewers across the platform. In these images, Divya holds her Canadian citizenship certificate with a soft smile, beautifully draped in the strong, elegant fabric of the Nauvari. This was far more than just an outfit choice—it was a powerful statement about identity and belonging.
Celebrating Roots While Embracing New Beginnings
"Today marks one of the most significant milestones of my life," Divya wrote in her social media post, explaining that the saree symbolized strength, dignity, resilience, and continuity. Her journey involved years of moving between countries, adjusting to new environments, and building a life far from her original home—all culminating in this special day that she chose to greet in the Marathi way.
In another heartfelt post, she expressed her philosophy simply: "Proud to be where I am without forgetting where I'm from. Keeping my roots alive." This sentiment particularly touched the hearts of many who saw her message.
The Significance of the Citizenship Ceremony
For those unfamiliar with the process, the Canadian citizenship oath ceremony represents a formal and emotional occasion. During this event, new citizens pledge loyalty to Canada and its laws, officially becoming Canadian only after taking the oath. It's typically a serious moment filled with mixed emotions, and Divya added her own meaningful layer to this tradition through her cultural expression.
Overwhelmingly Positive Public Response
Reactions to Divya's choice poured in rapidly across social media platforms. One commenter noted, "Tradition and achievement in one frame," while another observed, "Take your culture with you, that's what being a global citizen really means." Some were so inspired that they joked about wearing Marathi ethnic wear to their own upcoming citizenship ceremonies in other countries.
While the internet naturally presented mixed opinions as it often does, the overwhelming response was one of celebration and admiration. Most people appreciated how Divya honored her cultural heritage during such an important personal milestone.
The Deeper Meaning Behind the Moment
What made this moment particularly special was its demonstration that becoming a citizen of another country doesn't require leaving one's identity behind. Divya beautifully illustrated how multiple identities can coexist and enrich one another, showing that cultural roots can travel with us wherever we go.
Understanding the Nauvari Saree
For those curious about her choice of attire, the Nauvari saree represents a traditional Maharashtrian drape worn similarly to a dhoti, with the fabric tucked between the legs. This distinctive style is known for being:
- Strong and practical in its design
- Elegant and deeply symbolic in its cultural significance
- Commonly seen at weddings, festivals, and Lavani performances
- Representative of both power and grace in Maharashtrian tradition
On this particular day, worn by a Canadian Marathi mulgi stepping into a new chapter of her life, the Nauvari came to represent something even more profound. It stood as a testament to the idea that one can truly belong to the wider world without ever forgetting where they began their journey.
