Decoding the Beauty of Mundu Style: An Introduction to Kerala's Time-Honored Garment

Are you curious about the traditional clothing of Kerala, a state located in the south of India? Look no further than the Mundu Neriyathu. This two-piece garment, consisting of the Mundu (lower garment) and Neriyathu (upper garment), has been an essential part of Kerala's culture and heritage for centuries. It is also known as Mundum Neriyathum or Mundum Veshti in other parts of India.

History and Origin of Mundu Neriyathu:

The Mundu Neriyathu has a rich history that can be traced back to the Vedic period. The garment is believed to have been introduced by the Aryans who migrated to the southern part of India. Over time, the Mundu evolved and became an integral part of Kerala's traditional clothing. The Mundu was typically made using cotton or silk, while the Neriyathu was made of silk or cotton.

Different Styles of Mundu:

The Mundu is available in different styles in Kerala, including the Kasavu Mundu and the Mundu Neriyathu. The Kasavu Mundu is a traditional Mundu that is woven with gold or silver thread. It is considered a luxurious garment and is worn during weddings and other formal occasions. The Mundu Neriyathu is a simpler version of the Kasavu Mundu and is worn on casual occasions.

There are also different types of Mundu lungi, such as the Kaili Mundu, which is a traditional lungi worn by men, and the Veshti Mundu, which is a more modern version of the Kaili Mundu.

Apart from these, there are different types of Mundu styles, such as the traditional Mundu, modern Mundu, and designer Mundu. The traditional Mundu is a plain white cloth without any embellishments. The modern Mundu is designed with simple patterns and borders, making it suitable for casual wear. The designer Mundu is a more elaborate version of the traditional Mundu, with intricate designs and embellishments.

How to Wear Mundu:

Wearing Mundu can seem daunting at first, but it is relatively simple. To wear a Mundu Neriyathu, start by tucking the Mundu around the waist and bringing the ends up to the chest level. Then, take the Neriyathu and drape it over the left shoulder. Bring the end of the Neriyathu around the waist and tuck it in the back. Finally, take the remaining end of the Neriyathu and pleat it neatly before draping it over the left shoulder.

To wear a Mundu Lungi, start by wrapping the Mundu around the waist and tucking one end into the waistband. Then, take the other end and pleat it before tucking it into the waistband. The pleats should face the left side. Finally, adjust the length of the lungi according to your preference.

Significance of Mundu in Kerala Culture:

Mundu is an essential part of Kerala's culture and is worn during weddings, religious festivals, and other formal occasions. It is a symbol of the state's rich heritage and tradition. The Kasavu Mundu, in particular, is considered a luxurious garment and is worn by the groom during weddings. The Mundu Neriyathu is worn by both men and women and is suitable for casual occasions.

Differences Between Mundu and Lungi:

Mundu and Lungi are two different garments, although they may appear similar at first glance. The Mundu is a two-piece garment that consists of a lower garment and an upper garment. The Lungi, on the other hand, is a single piece of cloth that is wrapped around the waist and falls till the ankles. The Mundu is usually made of cotton or silk and is more formal than the Lungi, which is typically made of cotton.