The Kerala Cotton Saree Is A Traditional Offering In A Modern Format

Category: Fashion

The Kerala Cotton Saree is an adaption of the Mundum Neriyathum, the traditional attire of Malayali women since historic times, and modified suitably to modern tastes. The Kerala Cotton Sari has evolved from the Mundum Neriyathum, the traditional attire of women in the South Indian state of Kerala. In fact the MunduNeriyathum can be said to have influenced the creation of the modern Saree. Once woven by hand alone, the Kerala Cotton Handloom Sarees have slowly given way to the manufacture of the Kerala Cotton Saree by power looms. Hand embroidered motifs have also been replaced by designer prints of the motif. The Kerala Cotton Saree with golden, copper-coloured or Zari borders for a white or cream fabric, also known as Kasavu Saree, is specially made to be worn during festivals and auspicious occasions. As with Mundum Neriyathum, the blouse matches the Kerala Cotton Saree for festive occasions with colours based on the age and marital status of the woman. A green coloured blouse would be for young, unmarried girls, while the married and middle aged women wear red blouses. Modern day prints on the cotton fabric with coloured borders and popular designs of peacock and temple adorning the pallu, have made the Kerala Cotton Handloom Saree popular as daily wear. Historically, the Mundum Neriyathum, or the two piece cotton fabric worn since ancient times, is still a traditional costume. The Neriyathu, draping the upper torso, from right hip to left shoulder over the blouse, with the portion beyond the shoulder left hanging, has come from Buddhist and Jain influences of ancient India, with the coloured borders of the garment supposedly being borrowed from Greco-Roman culture. In simple form it is daily wear, in the Kasavu form it is grand and meant for festival wear Modern day prints on the cotton fabric with coloured borders and popular designs of peacock and temple adorning the pallu, have also made the Kerala Cotton Handloom Saree popular as daily wear. The Kerala Cotton Saree is woven from unbleached cotton or Kora cloth. With a golden Jari border and motifs of animals, birds, peacocks, flowers, fruits and leaves, it is highly popular. Adding style to the handloom saree are motifs of checks and stripe patterns on wooden block prints using vegetable dyes. A popular variety of the Kerala Cotton Saree has Zari Buttas and a Resham Zari Border, coupled with an elegant pallu, preferred as occasion wear in corporate offices, colleges and schools. It also appeals as novel wear during festivals. Equally enticing the Kerala Cotton Sari with block printed motifs and multi-thread embroidered border in half-half pattern with contrasting colours. It makes it suitable for daily casual, office wear during summer and traditional functions.