Kerala dress | Kerala traditional dress (2024)

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Kerala dress | Kerala traditional dress? ›

Kerala Dress

Traditional Dresses of Kerala - Kerala Costumes and Traditional Wear. The traditional wear of the state is called 'Mundu' which is worn on the lower portion of the body, from the waist to the foot. It is white and is worn by both men and women. It resembles a long skirt or a dhoti.

The Mundu is a traditional garment worn by men in Kerala. It consists of one piece of fabric: a white cotton dhoti. The Mundu is usually worn for formal occasions, religious ceremonies, and festivals. The simplicity and elegance of the Mundu make it a popular choice among men of all ages.

The women of Kerala traditionally dress in minimalistic clothes that accurately reflect their heritage. While they usually adorn a saree, their customary outfit is a two-piece set, 'Mundum neriyathum'. Made with off-white or cream coloured handwoven cotton, 'Mundum' is simply a piece of cloth wrapped around the hip.

Kerala Muslim Traditional Dress

They pair it with a shirt, and sometimes a “Mel Mundu” is draped over the shoulder for formal occasions. Women from the Kerala Muslim community often wear the “Burqa” or “Abaya,” covering themselves modestly, while the headscarf or “Hijab” is common.

Kerala Saree is known by the name Kasav Sari. The term Kasavu means Zari (Thread traditionally made of fine gold or silver), which is used in the border of Kerala Saree. Similarly, when Zari is used in a Mundu (Dhoti), it is called Kasav Mundu.

The mundum neriyathum is a traditional Kerala dress that consists of a two-piece saree. The saree is usually made of cotton or silk and has a gold border. The mundum neriyathum is perfect for formal occasions and is often worn by brides on their wedding day.

Not at all, people in Kerala are used to receiving a lot of European and American tourist who usually wear shorts and sleeveless, so wear shorts and sleeveless or for that matter anything which makes you comfortable.

The outstanding culture of the state of Kerala is a blend of both Indian and Dravidian styles. The different folk cultures of Kerala are Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and kalaripayattu. Kathakali- It is one of the most famous dance forms of India. It is a combination of Opera, ballet, and masque.

Lungi is an essential part of the cultural heritage of Kerala. It is worn by men of all ages and backgrounds and is a symbol of tradition and identity. Lungi is worn for various occasions, such as weddings, festivals, and religious ceremonies. It is also worn as everyday attire by many people in rural areas.

Do girls wear shorts in Kerala? ›

many girls and women wear salwars and other traditional and conservative clothes here. seldom women wear shorts and short dresses.

Should shorts be worn in Kerala? Look at this as, due to how modest Kerala is, opting not to wear shorts shows a level of respect and that you adhere to and respect their culture and traditions. If the locals look like they are wearing shorts where you are, opt for baggy knee length shorts, never hot pants for ladies!

Kerala Dress

The neriyathu is worn diagonally from the left shoulder and one end is tucked in at the waist. The material is made up of hand woven cotton and is generally cream or white in color with a colored or golden (Kasavu) border known as the Kara.

According to 2011 census of India figures, 54.73% of Kerala's population are Hindus, 26.56% are Muslims, 18.38% are Christians, and the remaining 0.33% follow other religions or have no religion.

Named as one of the ten paradises of the world by National Geographic Traveler, Kerala is one of the prominent tourist destinations of India, with coconut-lined sandy beaches, backwaters, hill stations, Ayurvedic tourism and tropical greenery as its major attractions.

Hinduism is the most widely professed faith in Kerala. According to 2011 Census of India figures, 54.7% of Kerala's residents are Hindus. Hindus represent the biggest religious group in all districts except Malappuram. The legends regarding the origin of Kerala are Hindu in nature.

There are no dress codes imposed in Kerala. But Salwar- Kameez has become the most commonly worn attire among the youth and middle-aged ladies because of the ease of wearing it and since it covers up the torso. Older women prefer wearing saree because of habit.

The traditional dress for women is the Saree, which is draped around the body and worn with a blouse and petticoat. Men wear the Dhoti and Kurta, which is a long tunic worn over the Dhoti.

The traditional dress options for women during Onam celebrations are kasavu sarees, salwar kameez, and lehenga choli. Kasavu sarees are made of cotton and have a golden border. Salwar kameez is a two-piece garment consisting of a long top and loose pants.