Happily Handmade

Occasions like Onam, Vishu, and other traditional celebrations in Kerala are incomplete without women wearing the beautiful golden bordered ‘Kasavusari’, ‘Mundu and neriyathu,’ and men Kasavu dothis. The handloom industry and products are very close to Kerala’s tradition and culture and are well known around the globe for their simplicity, use of natural colours, texture, and craftwork.  

The main handloom centres in Kerala have been concentrated in some districts, manufacturing their unique products and designs. The most historically known and the oldest is the one in Balaramapuram in Thiruvananthapuram district. History says that about 250 years back, during the period of Balarama Varma – the ruler of Travancore -- weavers belonging to the Chaliyas community migrated to Kerala from Nagercoil and Thirunelveli in Tamil Nadu.

Another well-known centre for handloom fabrics is Kuthampully in the district of Thrissur. It is believed that the weaving community of Devangas from Karnataka were brought by the royal family of Kochi about 500 years back to make dress exclusively for the palace. Chennamangalam in Ernakulam district is another important handloom centre known for producing ‘Mundu and Neriyathu’ and’ double dhoti. Some of the Kerala handloom products have geographical indication tags, eg: Chennamangalam sarees and Kumthampully sarees.