Traditional Dresses and Ornaments of Kerala

Kerala is more than just a stunning land of charming backwaters and picturesque beauty. The culture and traditions of Kerala is so well preserved which is clear through their lifestyle and day to day chores. The moment you reach for a Kerala cultural tour you will be doused in a deep sense of peace and vibrancy and another unique thing which you will observe is the unique clothing and attire they wear. Their traditional clothing showcases the simplicity and the humble lifestyle of the Malayali Population. The clothing style is dominated with white colored clothing which represents their simple living.

Culture of Kerala

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The culture of the local population of Kerala displays a complete synthesis of Dravidian and Aryan cultures. They have developed and mingled through centuries and this lineage is sustained perfectly by the local people. They have a UNESCO designated human heritage art in the form of Sanskrit drama or theatre performances. It is also the hub for the 500-year-old dace form known as Kathakali. Kerala is also home to innumerable tribal and folk cultures which has been a part of their overall tradition. The festivals in Kerala is a huge celebration and is participated by enthusiastic people. Being the state with the highest literacy rate and education in India Kerala is not only an agricultural hub spot but it has developed into a wholesome urban centre. However as an ode to their ancient culture, they are not fully liberal to modern ideas, technological changes and social issues. If you are looking to have a complete and real taste of the true India then Kerala should definitely be on your bucket list.

Traditional Dress for Keralite Men

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The traditional wear of the men in Kerala consists of white colored costumes which are referred to as ‘Mundu’. This clothing item can be traced back to the olden ages when the men did not wear anything on the upper part of their body. One of the reasons can be the unbearable scorching heat of the south. The upper caste people of Kerala started draping another piece of white clothing that matched the lungi on their shoulder. Currently due to changes in the tradition over a long period of time can be seen wearing shirts on top of the lungi.

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This clothing piece for men is made out of cotton which makes it a very comfortable attire to bear the constant heat. Another clothing wear for Kerala men is Kasavu Mundu which is primarily worn in the rural regions. Adorned with a silken border the clothing piece is 3 to 4 metres long and is artfully draped around. Kerala is an amalgamation of different communities and religions which is clear by the way Muslim men wear the Mundu in different and distinct style by adding a traditional cap as a head accessory. As compared to their clothing Malayali men are more traditional and conservative as compared the to the women here. for a much dignified and a royal look also acting as a protection from the hot sun beating down, the men here apply a past of sandalwood on their forehead, chest and eyebrows.

Traditional Dress from Keralite Women

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The traditional women attire in Kerala goes by the name of Mundum Neriyathum and comes with a par that looks similar to that of the male Mundu attire. One of the Mundu is wrapped around the lower part of the body that goes down till the ankles while the other part is worn on the upper part along with a blouse while its one end is tucked away in the lower Mundu and the another end passes through the shoulder and falls on the ground which resembles the ‘Pallu’ of a Saree. Hindu women of Kerala adorn themselves with Mundu or Sarees as per the event or occasion. During the wedding time they prefer wearing stunningly elegant sarees made out of Kancheepuram silk along with heavy Kundan or Zardozi work.

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During the wedding time women prefer wearing colourful shades while avoiding white and black colours. Muslim women during weddings wear sarees or lehengas which is adorned by fine and heavy work of embroidery with golden zari work on the veil. Their elegance and beauty is only elevated through their simplistic way of dressing and clothing. The Christian women in Kerala wear half sleeved bluses made out of white clothing material and is worn over a Mundu. It is also mostly worn by the people belonging to the middle age group. It is evident that the women here dress elegantly and keep their cultural heritage intact by doing so. However just like the rest of India the western culture has had an influence in their clothing and people have started wearing clothes like jeans, skirt, dresses, shirts etc. but one thing is admirable for sure, in case of religious functions or wedding events the people make sure to follow their traditions and dress up according to their heritage.

Traditional Kerala Ornaments

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When it comes to ornaments Kerala tops the chart since the people here make it a point to save a lot of gold jewellery, ornaments etc. the traditional designs of the ornaments have been hugely influenced by the modern designs which is worn by the women of Kerala. The most popular piece of gold ornament here is the Kasu Mala, Jimikki and Palakka.

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You will mostly see all the women wearing jewellery made entirely out of gold. Other traditional gold ornaments include – Nagapada Thali, Karimani Mala, Manga Mala, Addiyal, Mullamottu Mala, Poothali etc. other than gold, silver is also used to create these ornaments. Golden bangles, Kolusu and Aranjanam are some other ornaments which the women here adorn themselves with. Kolusu is worn on the lower end of the leg close to the foot, kind of like an Anklet, Aranjanam graces the waist of the women, traditionally the women of Kerala also adorn their hair with a bunch of white, fragrant string of jasmine flowers known as kajra. Married women, apply Sindooram in their forehead as a mark of their married life.