Kerala’s Rich White and Gold Saree

 

Kerala's traditional kasavu sari stands out in a country full of patterns and bright colors for its elegance and visual restraint. But beyond its plain exterior is a cultural tradition and a unique aesthetic. Kasavu sarees are made of 100% cotton and are often off-white or cream in color with a golden border. These sarees get their name from the golden border, known as kasavu. The kasavu is typically made of pure gold or copper threads or even in silver now adds an air of beauty and sophistication to the saree.

Historically, there was no concept of a sari at all in Kerala. There was the mundu instead. Everyone wore a mundu from the waist down, and neither men nor women needed to wear an extra garment to cover their upper body. On the contrary, in many regions, women were not permitted to cover their upper bodies and had to pay a charge to do so. However, after colonization, women began to wear an angavastra (a shawl) on their upper bodies, and the mundu evolved into the two-piece settu mundu. People wear one mundu around their waist and the other as a half-sari. The single-piece sari emerged much later, giving rise to the popularity of the blouse. This was the first stitched garment they wore.

Kasavu sarees became increasingly affordable to the general public throughout time, and they became an important component of Kerala culture. Today, ladies of various origins and all ages wear them, and they have become a symbol of the state's cultural identity.

Furthermore, Kasavu sarees have gained popularity outside of Kerala, as people from other areas of India and beyond have begun to appreciate their beauty and elegance. Kasavu sarees are now available in a variety of colors and styles, but the traditional off-white saree with a golden border remains the most popular and iconic.

In terms of coloring, there is no definitive answer as to why all of the saris are white. One theory is because Kerala has so much green and color that people prefer to dress neutrally. Another technical explanation is that because Kerala receives so much rain then, the dyeing process proved problematic. A third school of thought connects the white to the prevalent gold culture in this region. Because the majority of the decoration was jewelry, the cloth did not need to be patterned.

Finally, Kerala's appreciation of traditional Kasavu sarees reflects the state's rich cultural legacy and traditions. These sarees are more than just a piece of apparel; they represent a celebration of the state's particular beauty and elegance. Kasavu sarees are profoundly embedded in the hearts of people, from the weaving villages to the women who wear them.