A smiling couple dressed in matching vibrant Onam outfits, sitting on the grass while arranging flower petals for a pookalam. The man wears a traditional white mundu, and the woman has her hair adorned with jasmine flowers. Both are looking at each other, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

Celebrating Onam with Style: A Modern Take on Traditional Outfits

Onam, the grand festival of Kerala, is a time of joy, togetherness, and cultural pride. It’s a celebration that brings families and friends together, marked by traditional rituals, elaborate feasts, and vibrant attire. The Image beautifully captures the essence of Onam, showcasing a couple dressed in a unique and modern interpretation of traditional Onam outfits.

A Fresh Take on Onam Attire

The couple in the image have embraced a fusion style that blends the richness of Kerala’s traditional attire with a modern twist. Both are wearing matching shirts that are a burst of colors, adorned with vibrant and intricate illustrations that pay homage to Kerala’s cultural heritage. The designs on the shirts, featuring elements like Kathakali masks, elephants, and temple art, are symbolic of Kerala’s artistic legacy and reflect the festive spirit of Onam.

The man pairs his vibrant shirt with a traditional white dhoti, also known as “mundu,” which is a staple for men during Onam celebrations. The golden border of the dhoti adds a touch of elegance, maintaining the classic aesthetic while complementing the colorful shirt. The woman, on the other hand, also wears a matching shirt but styles it with a traditional white saree, featuring the characteristic golden border, known as “Kasavu.” This combination of the modern shirt with the traditional saree creates a unique look that is both trendy and rooted in tradition.

A smiling couple dressed in matching vibrant Onam outfits, sitting on the grass while arranging flower petals for a pookalam. The man wears a traditional white mundu, and the woman has her hair adorned with jasmine flowers. Both are looking at each other, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

The Significance of Matching Outfits

Wearing matching outfits during festivals like Onam symbolizes unity, harmony, and togetherness. It’s a way for couples to express their bond and celebrate their shared cultural identity. In this image, the couple’s choice of coordinated clothing not only enhances their visual appeal but also highlights the significance of partnership and companionship during festive occasions.

The Floral Pookalam: A Must-Have for Onam

In front of the couple lies a beautifully arranged “Pookalam,” a floral rangoli that is an integral part of Onam celebrations. The Pookalam is made using fresh flower petals in vibrant colors like yellow, orange, red, and white, arranged in intricate patterns. Creating a Pookalam is a communal activity, often involving family members working together to design and arrange the flowers. It represents the warm hospitality and the welcoming nature of Keralites, as well as the festive atmosphere that Onam brings.

The couple is seen adding the final touches to their Pookalam, a symbolic gesture of their active participation in the festival’s traditions. The act of creating a Pookalam together reflects their teamwork and the joy of shared experiences during this special time.

Embracing Tradition with a Modern Twist

The couple’s choice of attire is a testament to how traditional festivals like Onam can be celebrated with a modern flair. While they respect and honor the traditional elements of the festival, they also bring in their own personal style, making the celebration more relatable and enjoyable for the younger generation. This blend of the old and the new is what makes their Onam outfit stand out, offering inspiration for others who wish to embrace tradition while staying fashionable.

The Essence of Onam

Onam is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of Kerala’s culture, its people, and their values. It’s a time when homes are decorated, feasts are prepared, and everyone comes together to honor the harvest season. The image beautifully encapsulates this essence, showing how Onam is celebrated with joy, creativity, and a deep connection to cultural roots.

Whether you’re in Kerala or celebrating Onam elsewhere, this image serves as a reminder that the spirit of the festival lies in togetherness, creativity, and a deep appreciation for tradition. The couple’s vibrant and coordinated outfits, their joyful expressions, and their engagement in the traditional activity of creating a Pookalam all come together to tell the story of a modern Onam celebration that respects the past while embracing the present.

Hairstyle

The woman is seen sporting a traditional and elegant hairstyle that perfectly complements her festive attire. Her hair is neatly tied back in a low bun, which is a popular choice for traditional events, offering both style and comfort. The bun is adorned with a string of white jasmine flowers, known as “gajra,” which is a quintessential accessory for South Indian women during celebrations. The fresh jasmine flowers not only add a touch of natural beauty to the hairstyle but also symbolize purity and are known for their soothing fragrance. The gajra is wrapped around the bun, giving it a fuller appearance and enhancing the overall traditional look.

The makeup is subtle yet radiant, focusing on enhancing her natural beauty. The base is kept light, providing a smooth and even complexion, while a soft blush adds a healthy glow to her cheeks.

The overall look, with the combination of a traditional hairstyle and subtle makeup, creates a perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, ideal for a festive occasion like Onam.Wearing a colorful Onam shirt and a traditional cream-colored saree stands with her back to the camera, showcasing her hairstyle adorned with jasmine flowers. She smiles brightly as she looks over her shoulder.

 

Onam is a festival that bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, and this image perfectly illustrates how you can celebrate the festival in style. By incorporating modern elements into traditional attire, the couple shows that it’s possible to honor cultural heritage while expressing personal style. As you prepare for Onam, let this image inspire you to experiment with your outfits, embrace the vibrant spirit of the festival, and most importantly, celebrate the occasion with love, joy, and togetherness.

Source: Instagram"Close-up of a woman in a traditional outfit, with jasmine flowers adorning her hair, smiling as she looks away."

A man dressed in traditional Kerala attire, wearing a cream-colored dhoti and a colorful shirt featuring vibrant Kerala motifs.

 

Nandana Thulasi’s Enchanting Kasavukada Wedding & Onam Look: A Tribute to Kerala’s Timeless Tradition

In the vibrant cultural landscape of Kerala, weddings and Festivals are celebrated with an exquisite blend of tradition, elegance, and grandeur. A key element of this celebration is the bridal attire, which often includes the iconic Kasavukada saree.

The Kasavukada Cream and Golden Saree

  • Fabric and Significance: The Kasavukada saree is a quintessential representation of Kerala’s weaving tradition. Typically made from high-quality cotton or silk, this saree is distinguished by its pristine cream base and resplendent golden zari border. The cream color symbolizes purity, humility, and simplicity, while the golden zari adds a touch of luxury and grandeur, making it an ideal choice for a bride on her wedding day.
  • Design and Aesthetics: Nandana’s Kasavukada saree was a masterpiece of simplicity and elegance. The saree featured a broad, intricately woven golden border, which stood out against the soft cream fabric. The design of the zari work often includes traditional motifs such as paisleys, peacocks, or temple designs, each symbolizing prosperity and divine blessings.
  • Traditional Drapery: The saree was draped in the traditional style, which is known for its neat pleats and gracefully flowing pallu. This draping style accentuated the saree’s natural elegance and highlighted the exquisite golden border, creating a regal and sophisticated look.
  • Temple Jewelry: A Tribute to Tradition

    • Necklace and Earrings: Nandana’s jewelry selection was a testament to Kerala’s rich tradition of temple jewelry. These pieces are inspired by the intricate designs found in South Indian temples, often featuring depictions of gods, goddesses, and other religious motifs. The necklace she wore was likely a traditional design, with detailed carvings that matched her earrings, adding to the regal aura of her bridal look.
    • Waist Band (Vaddanam): The waist band, known as vaddanam in South India, is not just an accessory but a symbol of elegance and tradition. Nandana’s vaddanam was crafted from gold and featured intricate designs that echoed the motifs of her necklace and earrings. This accessory not only enhanced her saree drape but also added a touch of opulence to her waistline, further elevating her bridal appearance.
    • Tikka: The tikka, worn on the forehead, is a traditional piece of jewelry that symbolizes a bride’s grace and beauty. Nandana’s tikka was designed to complement her other jewelry pieces, featuring similar motifs and craftsmanship. It added a focal point to her bridal look, drawing attention to her beautifully adorned face.
    • Bangles: No traditional bridal look is complete without a set of bangles. Nandana chose simple yet elegant gold bangles, which added a rhythmic charm to her wrists. These bangles, often symbolic of prosperity and happiness, perfectly complemented the rest of her jewelry and enhanced the overall traditional vibe of her ensemble.

    Hairstyle and Floral Decoration: A Touch of Elegance

    • Classic Bun Hairstyle: For her hairstyle, Nandana opted for a classic bun, a choice that is both traditional and timeless. The bun was styled neatly at the back of her head, providing a polished and sophisticated look that aligned perfectly with the elegance of her saree and jewelry. This hairstyle also offers practical benefits, ensuring that the bride remains comfortable throughout the ceremony.
    • Fresh Flowers: To infuse a touch of natural beauty and tradition, Nandana adorned her bun with fresh flowers. Typically, jasmine or roses are chosen for this purpose, as they not only look beautiful but also add a subtle fragrance that complements the festive atmosphere. The flowers were arranged carefully around the bun, adding a delicate and charming detail to her overall look.

    Nandana’s look is not just about fashion—it’s a celebration of the timeless traditions that make Kerala weddings & Festivals so uniquely beautiful.

    Source: Instagram

Radiant Elegance: Shreya Rajan’s Kerala Kasavu Saree for Onam

Onam, the vibrant harvest festival celebrated with immense zeal and tradition, calls for attire that reflects both cultural richness and personal elegance. Actress Shreya Rajan epitomized this blend perfectly by donning a stunning Kerala Kasavu saree for the occasion. This blog delves into the details of Shreya’s traditional look, showcasing how she celebrated Onam with grace and style.

Shreya Rajan’s Onam Look

Shreya Rajan’s Onam attire was a perfect embodiment of traditional beauty and elegance.

Kerala Kasavu Saree

Fabric and Color:

Shreya’s saree was a classic Kerala Kasavu, featuring the traditional off-white base with a gleaming gold zari border. The simplicity of the color allowed the gold zari to stand out, adding a touch of opulence to the outfit. The Kasavu saree, a hallmark of Kerala’s traditional attire, is renowned for its elegance and cultural significance.

Design and Drapery:

The saree was draped in the traditional Kerala style, highlighting the graceful fall and flow of the fabric. The gold border added a subtle shine, making the saree ideal for the festive occasion.

Temple Jewelry:

Shreya’s look was accentuated with traditional temple jewelry, known for its intricate designs and antique finish. The jewelry set typically includes a statement necklace and matching earrings, often embellished with motifs inspired by traditional temple architecture.

Hairstyle and Fresh Flowers:

Shreya opted for a classic bun hairstyle, a traditional choice that adds sophistication and keeps the focus on the saree and jewelry. The bun was styled neatly, providing a graceful silhouette. To enhance the traditional look, fresh flowers were added to the side of the bun. This detail not only added a natural and festive touch but also highlighted the classic charm of her overall appearance.

Bangles:

Bangles are a quintessential part of traditional South Indian attire, and Shreya Rajan chose a set of green and red bangles to enhance her outfit.

The green and red bangles provided a vibrant contrast against the off-white Kerala Kasavu saree. Green represents prosperity and freshness, while red symbolizes energy and festivity, making these colors ideal for the Onam celebration.

The bangles were simple in design, allowing their vibrant colors to stand out. They likely featured smooth, polished finishes without intricate embellishments, complementing the saree’s elegant simplicity.

Shreya wore these bangles on her wrists, creating a harmonious balance with the rest of her accessories. The choice of bangle colors and their understated design worked well with her traditional attire and overall look.

Shreya Rajan’s Onam look was a beautiful blend of traditional elements and modern elegance. The simple green and red bangles added a splash of color and festivity, while her minimal makeup ensured that her natural beauty shone through. The combination of these elements, along with her Kerala Kasavu saree and traditional accessories, created a sophisticated and graceful appearance fitting for the Onam festival.

By focusing on simplicity and elegance, Shreya showcased how traditional attire can be enhanced with thoughtful accessory choices and understated makeup, offering inspiration for anyone looking to celebrate with style and grace.

Source: Instagram

Ahaana Krishna-Kasavu Saree - Onam 2023

Onam Special Series 2023: Ahaana Krishna’s Traditional Glam

Celebrate Onam 2023 in timeless elegance with Ahaana Krishna’s stunning traditional Kasavu Saree ensemble. This year, Ahaana effortlessly captures the essence of Kerala’s rich heritage by donning a pristine white and gold Kasavu Saree, beautifully adorned with intricate gold borders. Complementing the saree, she chose a pink deep-v-neckline blouse that adds a contemporary touch while honoring the traditional charm.

Ahaana Krishna-Kasavu Saree - Onam 2023

Ahaana’s style is a celebration of subtlety, as she opted for minimal makeup, allowing her natural beauty to shine through. To complete her ensemble, Ahaana accessorized with a delicate white beaded necklace and matching earrings, infusing a touch of grace into her look.

Ahaana Krishna-Kasavu Saree - Onam 2023



 

Her choice of a Bun bun hairdo, embellished with fragrant jasmine flowers, evokes a sense of timeless grace and elegance. The flowers lend an air of authenticity to the Onam celebration, echoing the cultural significance of the occasion.

Ahaana Krishna-Kasavu Saree - Onam 2023

To round off her ensemble, Ahaana’s selection of a clutch bag perfectly balances functionality with fashion, giving her a touch of modernity while seamlessly blending it with her traditional attire. Ahaana Krishna’s Onam look for 2023 is an embodiment of grace, culture, and contemporary style, an ode to the festival’s essence and the beauty of tradition.

Ahaana Krishna-Kasavu Saree - Onam 2023



Ahaana Krishna-Kasavu Saree - Onam 2023

Ahaana Krishna-Kasavu Saree - Onam 2023

Source: Instagram



Ramya Nambessan - Traditional White Kasavu Saree

From Heritage to Haute Couture: Decoding Ramya Nambessan’s Kasavu Saree Elegance with a Vintage Twist

Ramya Nambessan exuded timeless elegance in her attire as she gracefully donned a Traditional White Kasavu Saree. This ensemble paid homage to the rich heritage of South Indian clothing, showcasing her penchant for blending tradition with style. The saree’s pristine white canvas was adorned with a regal golden zari-lined border, a hallmark of the Kasavu saree’s grandeur.

Complementing the saree, Ramya chose a high-neck blouse that seamlessly combined classic design with contemporary sensibilities. The blouse featured intricate embellishments along the border of the neckline, adding a touch of glamour while retaining the ensemble’s cultural authenticity. The amalgamation of tradition and modernity was a true reflection of Ramya’s personal style.

Ramya Nambessan - Traditional White Kasavu Saree

A standout element of her look was the hair brooches she artfully incorporated. This small yet significant accessory transported onlookers to a bygone era, infusing a vintage charm into the overall appearance. The brooches not only served as a style statement but also as a nod to the timeless beauty of yesteryears.

Ramya’s crowning glory, her traditional braided hair, was a masterpiece in itself. The meticulously braided hair exuded an air of sophistication and grace. Adorned with delicate jasmine flowers, it encapsulated the essence of South Indian traditions, where flowers are often used as symbols of purity and auspiciousness.

Ramya Nambessan - Traditional White Kasavu Saree

The entire ensemble encapsulated the spirit of tradition while embracing contemporary accents. Ramya Nambessan’s choice of the Traditional White Kasavu Saree, with its golden zari border, epitomized the grandeur of South Indian culture. The high-neck blouse, adorned with embellishments, perfectly balanced heritage with a touch of modern allure. The vintage-inspired hair brooch and the classic jasmine-adorned braided hair further elevated the look, making Ramya a vision of timeless beauty and cultural fusion.

Source: Instagram



Janani Viswanathan - Onam Saree Guide

Janani Viswanathan’s Onam Saree Inspiration in Cotton Tissue Saree

Janani Viswanathan is a social media influencer with over 1 lakh followers. She is known for her elegant and stylish sense of fashion. For the Onam series this year, Janani chose to wear a cotton tissue saree in cream color with a golden border and stripe lines. The saree was paired with a sleeveless maroon blouse that had brocade prints &  blue Chinese collar. Janani is accessorized with traditional Kerala Jhumkis, thread bangles, and a nose pin. She chose to pose with a ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ inspired red clutch. And also completed the look with purple nail polish, elegant makeup, and lipstick.

Janani Viswanathan - Onam Saree Guide

The cotton tissue saree is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down. The cream color is classic and elegant, while the golden border and stripe lines add a touch of sophistication. The brocade print blouse adds a touch of femininity to the look. The Jhumkis, thread bangles, and nose pin are traditional Onam jewelry that complements the saree. The ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ inspired red clutch is a statement piece that adds a touch of glamour to the outfit. The purple nail polish, elegant makeup, and lipstick complete the look and make Janani look stunning.



Janani Viswanathan - Onam Saree Guide

Here are some tips for styling a cotton tissue saree for Onam:

  • Choose a saree in a light color, such as cream, ivory, or white.

  • Pair the saree with a blouse that has a traditional Onam design, such as a brocade print or a lace blouse.

  • Accessorize with Kerala’s traditional jewelry, such as thread Jhumki earrings, thread bangles, and a nose pin.

  • Finish the look with elegant makeup and lipstick.

With these tips, you can easily style a cotton tissue saree for Onam and look stunning.



Happy Sareeing….!!!

Soundarya Bala Nandakumar - Kasavu Saree

Soundarya Bala Nandakumar’s Kasavu Saree with Golden Border is a Perfect Choice for Onam

Soundarya Bala Nandakumar is one of the most popular actresses in Malayalam cinema. She is known for her elegant and graceful looks, and she always manages to turn heads with her stunning sarees.

In a recent photoshoot, Soundarya looked absolutely glamorous in a Kasavu saree. The saree is a traditional Kerala garment that is made from hand-woven silk. It is characterized by its cream-colored base and golden border.



Soundarya Bala Nandakumar - Kasavu Saree
Soundarya Bala Nandakumar looks absolutely stunning in this Kasavu saree. The golden border and pearl earrings are the perfect finishing touches.



Soundarya accessorized her saree with pearl-dropping Butta earrings, a nose-pin, matil for hair, a precious stone embellished choker necklace, and finger rings. She also wore a dialed watch, which added a touch of class to her look.

The Kasavu saree is a perfect choice for the upcoming Onam festival. Onam is the most important festival in Kerala, and it is a time for celebration and feasting. Soundarya’s saree is elegant and festive, and it is sure to turn heads at any Onam event.



Soundarya Bala Nandakumar - Kasavu Saree
Soundarya’s elegant Kasavu saree is the perfect inspiration for the upcoming Onam festival.



Here are some tips on how to style a Kasavu saree for Onam:

  • Choose a saree with a golden border. This will add a touch of elegance to your look.

  • Accessorize with traditional Kerala jewelry. This will help you to complete the look.

  • Wear your hair in a traditional style. This could be a bun or a braid.

  • Apply light makeup. You want to let your natural beauty shine through.

With these tips in mind, you are sure to look your best in a Kasavu saree for Onam.



Soundarya Bala Nandakumar - Kasavu Saree
Pearl dropping Butta earrings, a nose-pin, matil for hair, a precious stone embellished choker necklace added traditional elegance



Here are some additional details about Kasavu sarees:

  • Kasavu sarees are typically made from hand-woven silk.

  • The silk is dyed a cream color, and then a golden border is added.

  • Kasavu sarees are often worn for special occasions, such as weddings and festivals.

  • They are also a popular choice for everyday wear.

  • Kasavu sarees are typically quite expensive, but they are timeless and elegant garments.



Soundarya Bala Nandakumar - Kasavu Saree
Soundarya Bala Nandakumar looks like a queen in this Kasavu saree.

If you are looking for a traditional and elegant saree to wear for Onam, a Kasavu saree is a great option. They are sure to turn heads and make you feel your best.

Source: Instagram