kasavu

Kasavu is a traditional form of Kerala textile distinguished by an off-white or ivory body fabric paired with a gold border called kasavu. The term is commonly applied to kasavu sarees worn by women and kasavu mundus worn by men, especially for ceremonial occasions and festivals.

The kasavu cloth is produced by handloom weavers in Kerala and has deep historical ties to temple rituals and royal courts. The border is woven with zari or metallic thread to create the distinctive gold sheen, while the body fabric is typically unbleached cotton, though silk-cotton blends are also common in contemporary variants.

Design-wise, the body remains plain and natural, with the kasavu border varying in width from narrow to broad. Borders may include additional patterns or motifs along the edge, and modern versions sometimes feature colored accents or altered weaves while preserving the characteristic gold border.

Usage and cultural significance are central to kasavu, with the attire being a hallmark of festive wear during Onam and weddings. In contemporary fashion, kasavu saris may adopt colored borders or updated draping styles, but the traditional two-piece neriyathu-mundu for women and the kasavu mundu for men remain iconic representations of Kerala dress.

Kasavu continues to symbolize Kerala’s textile heritage, sustained by artisan cooperatives and handloom communities that keep the craft alive through generations.