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 upper garment varies with gender and age. This dress is worn in Kerala, Tulunadu region and Maldive islands.Muslim women on the other hand sometimes prefer the black or blue purdah, while traditional Christian women wear a two-piece blouse and a pleated "Mundu".
When you visit Kerala, you'll see men and women wearing completely white attires. It depicts purity and elegance. Their warm nature, amicable behaviour and simplicity in living welcomes all from around the world.
The lower garment Mundu is a white cloth wrapped around the waist. It has a border called Kara which can be of any colour, mostly golden. Kara renders a style to the Mundu by displaying it on the left or right side of the person. Kara can be embroidered or decorated with ornaments for special occasions. Mundu can be turned into a half skirt kind of a thing by tucking the lower end into the waist. Men prefer to do this while doing any physical activities. The upper garment is called 'Melmundu' which is worn like a towel on the shoulders. The white shirt is also worn by many men these days.
In Hindus, men wear a Mundu and a Jubba for special occasions. It can be made of silk and Kara is often embroidered. Muslim men wear a cap called Kulla which differentiates them from Hindus. Muslims may either wear a shirt and Mundu or sometimes a Sherwani or Kurta, heavily embroidered. Christian men may wear a shirt and Mundu at their weddings or maybe a Suit or Blazer. Nowadays the latter is preferred.
Traditional Dress of Women in Kerala - Mundum Neriyathum
The traditional attire for women is called 'Mundum-Neriyathum'. This consists of a pair of similar Mundus. One of them is worn around the hip on the lower portion of the body, reaching the ankles. The other is worn on the upper part, with a blouse, one end tucked in the lower Mundu at the waist and another is passing through the shoulder and falling to the ground from the back, resembling a saree.
Hindu women may wear a Mundu or a Saree depending on the occasion and custom. For weddings, they prefer Kanchipuram Saree made of silk and have zardosi or Kundan work on them. The dark colours are preferred, but white and black are avoided. Muslim women wear Sarees or Lehengas for their wedding with a lot of embroideries and golden zari on the veil. Sometimes, purdah is also opted to cover the face, depending on the customs. In Christians, they wear white Sarees and white blouses- complete white attire. Nowadays they've started wearing a white gown with a veil.
It's quite evident that the people of this southern state of India wear a very simple clothing. White is their favourite colour as it depicts purity, elegance and simplicity. Beautiful embroideries and Kara designs are enough to make it an occasional dress for them. Although the basic clothing in Kerala is very simple, it can be worn and designed according to different occasions, such as weddings, family events, regional festivals like Onam and Vishu. Kara can be beautifully designed, Mundus can be made of silk and can be differently styled for women, and blouse can also be woven or embroidered in a particular manner. This varies from community to community, religion to religion.
These days western culture has had a common influence on people not unlike the rest of India and people have started wearing western clothes like shirts, jeans, skirts, dresses, etc. But whenever any religious event or a wedding or any other function is celebrated, they make sure that traditions are followed, and people wear only the traditional attires. The people of Kerala still preserve the culture.
The Kasavu Saree, Mundu, and Settu Mundu stand as testament to Kerala's rich cultural heritage and sartorial elegance. These traditional garments beautifully capture the essence of the state's customs, traditions, and values.
The mundum neriyatum is traditionally white or cream in colour and consists of two pieces of cloth, which have a coloured strip at the border known as kara. The piece of cloth that drapes the lower garment is called the mundu. It is worn below the navel and around the hips, similar to the mundu worn by men in Kerala.
Mundum Neriyathum (or Set Mund) is the traditional clothing of women in Kerala, South India. It is the oldest remnant of the ancient form of the saree which covered only the lower part of the body.
Traditional Indian clothing for women across the country in Indian includes saris worn with choli tops; a skirt called a lehenga or chaniya worn with choli and a dupatta scarf to create an ensemble called a ghagra choli; while many south Indian children traditionally wear Langa voni..
In Kerala, the lungi, also called kaili or kaili muṇṭŭ, is worn by both men and women. Labourers prefer to wear lungis while working. Most men in Kerala use lungi as casual wear or as a house dress, as it is quite comfortable to wear. Lungis are generally colourful, and with varying designs.
The word Mundhum means the power of great strength and the Kirat people of east Nepal take it to be a true, holy and a powerful scripture. (Chemjong 2003). In his interpretation, the term mundum (documented as the mundhum) refers to the strong power of the Kirati's 'holy scripture'.
The lungi is a simple, single piece of cloth that is worn as casual wear, mostly by men, across south India. But in Kerala, the lungi or kalli mundu, as it's popularly called, is much more than that.
However the color and the border of the sari remain true to the traditional set. Men also wear a mundu and shirt. Though now, men prefer wearing trousers and shirts. The traditional wear for little girls and teenage girls is the “Pattu Pavada” or a long skirt and blouse made of silk.
As well as the Keralan traditional dress, locals, westernised dress is also worn but it is in a modest style. Women will wear dresses and skirts to below the knees. Nothing really strappy and low cut!, Cotton blouses with elbow length or long sleeves are trgularly preferred.
Malayalam language, member of the South Dravidian subgroup of the Dravidian language family. Malayalam is spoken mainly in India, where it is the official language of the state of Kerala and the union territory of Lakshadweep.
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 traditional costumes of Kerala are simple and include the mundu and neriyathu worn by both men and women. The mundu is a lower garment worn around the hips and the neriyathu is an upper garment. Traditional attire also includes the saree worn by women.
Conclusion. In conclusion, the Onam dress code is an essential aspect of the festival, and it represents Kerala's rich culture and traditions. Traditional attire options for men and women include mundu, veshti, dhoti, kasavu sarees, salwar kameez, and lehenga choli.
Women of Kerala wear sarees and blouse. During festivals, they wear set sarees called Kasavu. Men wear 'mundu' which is a long piece of a garment wrapped around their waist in a certain manner. Mundu, an integral part of Kerala Culture is similar to a lungi and a dhoti.
Introduction: My name is Mr. See Jast, I am a open, jolly, gorgeous, courageous, inexpensive, friendly, homely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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