Part of: Kerala Gk set 42

What is the traditional worn by women of Kerala during Onam?

Category: Kerala Gk

Hint: Consider the traditional clothing specific to Kerala.

Correct Answer: A) Kasavu Sarees.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The traditional attire worn by women in Kerala during the Onam festival is the Kasavu saree. Onam is a major harvest festival celebrated in the state of Kerala, and it is a time when people wear their best traditional clothes. The Kasavu saree is a symbol of this tradition and is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Kerala.

Kasavu sarees are known for their simplicity and elegance. They are typically made of white or cream-colored cotton or silk, with a golden border. The golden border, known as "Kasavu," is a distinctive feature of these sarees and is often made of zari (a type of metallic thread). The simplicity of the Kasavu saree makes it versatile and suitable for various occasions, including the festive celebrations of Onam.

The Kasavu saree is not just a piece of clothing but also a representation of the cultural identity of Kerala. It is often paired with a blouse and a matching golden border dupatta. The simplicity of the Kasavu saree allows for the focus to be on the intricate designs and patterns that are often woven into the golden border, making it a beautiful and elegant choice for the Onam festival.

It is important to note that while the Kasavu saree is the traditional attire for women during Onam, other traditional clothing items such as the Mundu (a type of dhoti) for men and the Neriyathu (a type of shawl) for women are also worn. These traditional attires are an integral part of the Onam celebrations and reflect the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.

Understanding the traditional attire of different regions is crucial for cultural awareness and appreciation. The Kasavu saree is a prime example of how traditional clothing can be both simple and elegant, and it plays a significant role in the cultural identity of Kerala during the Onam festival.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This is the correct answer. Kasavu sarees are the traditional attire worn by women in Kerala during the Onam festival. They are known for their simplicity and elegance, typically made of white or cream-colored cotton or silk with a golden border.
  • Option B: This is incorrect. Ghagra Choli is a traditional attire more commonly associated with North Indian states, particularly Rajasthan and Gujarat, and not with Kerala.
  • Option C: This is incorrect. T-shirt and shorts are casual wear and not traditional attire for any festival in Kerala.
  • Option D: This is incorrect. Lehenga is a traditional attire more commonly associated with North Indian states and not with Kerala. It is a long skirt with a blouse and dupatta, which is not the traditional attire for Onam in Kerala.

Mnemonic: Kasavu for Kerala, like how sarees are traditional.

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