By Hemant SharmaAmong all the things that Kerala is famous for, there is one specific reason why everyone who visits this state ends up loving it. And yes, we’re talking about the culture of Kerala, and it is just amazing to experience and feel when you’re visiting this state. And once you’re in Kerala, you’ll know it right off the bat, and that’s mainly because of looking at how people usually dress in this state. So, let’s talk about the traditional dress of Kerala for both men and women and how they’re preserving their culture while dressing traditionally, not just on special occasions but on a day-to-day basis as well.
Traditional Dress of Men in Kerala
1. Mundus
The men in Kerala have an amazing, really cool thing called Mundu. It is a garment that is draped around the waist and pretty much goes to one’s ankles. It is almost always white or cream in color and accented with this fancy golden stripe on one side. By the way, that golden stripe? It is called Kara.
2. Melmundu And Shirts
Men throw this additional piece over their shoulders, Melmundu, on special occasions. Nevertheless, many men wear just simple white shirts over Mundu, especially during festivals, work, etc. It just looks good and pretty comfortable, too.
What Different Communities Wear?
- Hindu Men: Typical Hindu men wear a Mundu with Jubba during the occasion of weddings or festivals or anything like that.
- Muslim Men: Muslim men generally wear a Mundu along with some showy sherwani or kurta and whatnot. Some wear a cap, called Kulla.
- Christian Men: How do Christian men do this? A Mundu will probably be with shirts at weddings, or sometimes they’ll have a suit or blazer on, for sure.
Traditional Dress of Women in Kerala
1. Mundum Neriyathum (The Main Traditional Dress)
Unlike some other sarees, always going with odd designs, this dress is Kerala’s very own. Mundum Neriyathum is made up of, say, two pieces of cloth, a length of cloth wrapped around the waist and a piece thrown over the shoulder and tucked in somewhere, you know, all very saree-like, very beautiful, white, with some golden borders. Once you see many women wearing this type of traditional dress, you’ll know that you’re in Kerala because it is literally the main go-to dress in the state for most women.
2. Set Mundu or Kerala Saree
A set Mundu or Kerala Saree is considered a one-piece option by many ladies these days. Theoretically, it is easy to wear and put on like a regular saree.
Fancy Wedding Looks
As for Hindu women, they wear bright silk sarees, particularly Kanchipuram silk sarees. By the way, weddings don’t call for whites or blacks. Muslim women, in addition, wear colorful fancy sarees or lehengas, heavily embroidered and gilded, and oftentimes further complete their look with purdahs or hijabs. And Christian women? A bright silk saree, or a gown with veils, is the usual for weddings and other great stuff, aka main events in one’s life!
Children & Youth Attire
Girls: A Pattu Pavada is often the go-to traditional dress for small girls in Kerala, you know, a silk skirt usually paired with a blouse makes a dress really super cute. For sure, they love to wear it during festivals or any big family gatherings. But on a normal day, they wear jeans, frocks, or something casual, and all that.
Boys: Little boys, literally, wear a mini version of Mundu and shirts pretty much, but these days, lots of boys like to wear pants, shorts, and t-shirts just like everyone else.
Occasion-Based Attire
Big Festivals (Onam & Vishu):There is definitely a lot of traditional significance during the grand festivals like Onam and Vishu. The ladies usually go with the Set Mundu or Kerala Saree, which is super gorgeous. The men settle for Mundu with a shirt or Melmundu indeed. And everyone’s draped in white and gold clothes, all about paying respect to tradition and good vibes.
Weddings: Simple, yet royal, are the wedding outfits in Kerala. Brides wear those silk sarees or Set Mundu with tons of gold jewelry, you know. The groom, on the other hand, wears a Mundu with shirts or suits, looking really cool. However, different people wear slightly substantively interesting styles, and they totally keep it elegant and all.
Engagements & Other Events: Pretty much for engagements, etc. or pujas, the attire is again traditional. And it is all about the love for culture and making things super festive.