In
India, culture and tradition have heavy influence on the dressing style of its
states. One such state is Kerala which comprises people of assorted religions
like Christians, Muslims and Hindus. The religious faith of these people
influences the costumes of Kerala. The
dress code here is generally off white or white and very simple yet
sophisticated in appearance. Dark and light shades of red are worn on special
occasions like religious ceremony or wedding. Men and women have different
kinds of clothing.
Traditional dress for women in Kerala
In
society the dress code for women carries high regard and importance. The traditional garments are considered old
yet they are worn by different generations as these dresses are integral part
of their life. The traditional costume of women here is Mundum Neriyathum of
which Mundu is lower worn garment while Neriyathu is the upper worn garment
that is mainly slipped on a blouse or jacket. During the special or festive
occasions, this dress is selected based on women’s marital status and age where
green color is for unmarried ones and red for married ones.
Sari
and Salwar Kameez are another traditional and popular dresses worn by the women
in Kerala. Infact sari has replaced the old traditional costume Mundum
Neriyathu to large extent. But these dresses have kept the tradition of Kerala alive over all these years. In India the work
done on saris in Kerala is acknowledged and respected greatly.
Traditional dresses for men in Kerala
The
traditional dresses for men in Kerala date back to old times. Men here wear
Mundu which is made of cotton and is white in color. Similar to women clothing,
this fabric is considered as lower garment of the body. Length of this cloth is
from waist to toe and if men want then they can avoid wearing any garment on
the upper body. It’s just that people of upper caste might prefer draping a
cloth on upper body. Now with change in fashion and tradition, people have
started wearing shirt or t-shirts over Mundu. The other
dresses for men are Lungy and Kasavu Mundu.
In
Kerala, proper dressing is considered significant element of state’s culture
for they believe that individual of both gender must be dressed elegantly in
public. The fabric of their dresses is generally cotton which provides them
relief and ease during the humid and hot climate. Over these years, there has
been a great transition in clothing of men and women in Kerala.
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