Kerala is one of the state in southern part of India famous for its Culture and Natural beauty. The costumes worn in Kerala depict an amazing culture of a state with Hindu, Muslim and Christian leanings, and you should expect to find a variety of styles and designs. Here we explore about Kerala traditional dress for male and female.
Traditional Dress for Women
Arising out of culturally sensitive dressing, the women of Kerala, traditionally wear a number of apparels; each having its own connotation. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Mundum Neryathum: This perhaps is one of the most recognised traditional dresses of women of Kerala. It comprise of white or of off white mundu, which is the lower garment accompanied by a colorful nerav which is the upper garment. The nerav can be a plain blouse, with decoration at the bottom only, or a fancy blouse with embroidery or zari work.
- Kasavu Saree: The Kasavu sari is a white or off white sari with golden border which is worn on festive and formally occasions. It is well regarded as elegant and graceful and is usually worn with gold necklace and earrings.
- Set Mundu: This is a more modern version of the Mundum Neryathum as the nerav is attached to the mundu so that they won’t fall. It is worn by young women and is sold in different colors and styles.
Traditional Dress for Men
Kerala traditional dress for male is simple yet sophisticated . The most widespread clothing is the Mundu, which is a white or off- white cloth worn round the middle of the body. Most often they are combined with a shirt and the set is called the Mundu Veshti.
For more official events, the clothing may be a Kurta Pyjama, which is a long loose for a shirt and loose fitting trousers. Traditional Kurta Pyjama is being prepared from cotton garment and silk and can be found in many colors and designs.
Regional Variations
Subdivisions of the Kerala have their own way of dressing traditionally in their respective area. For instance, women of Malabar area fondly use Settu Saree which is highly oriented in bright colors and stylish embroideries. But in the area called central Travancore the Mundum Neryathum is known by the name Kasavu Mundu which is characterized by the zone Kasavu, this is accented by golden lines.
Modern Influences
Keralites were once famed for dressing in traditional wears but this has changed in the recent past due to fashion. A fusion wear of traditional clothing designs with modern designs is liked by many youths today. Still, the premises on which bonfire conventional dresses of Kerala signify its tradition is well appreciated and embraced significantly during the festivals and other related occasions.
The traditional dress of women in Kerala is one of the most gorgeous and cultural emblem of the state. It is associated with sophistication, beauty and frugality and has remained significant to Keralites up to this time.
