Mundu Neriyathum

Mundu Neriyathum is the traditional form of saree of Kerala's women. It is a two-piece saree which has parts as Mundu & Neriyuthum. Mundu is the lower garment which is wrapped around lower body and securely tucked into waist. Neriyathu is upper garment which can be tucked either in traditional way with the blouse or on left shoulder in modern style. Modern style of draping looks very much like Nivi Style.

Traditionally Mundu Neriyathum is of white or cream colour. It has a coloured strip at the end of both the pieces, which is called Kara. This saree is starched well before draping.

Mundum Neriyathum is daily worn by women in Kerala. It is also called Settu Mundu or Set Sari. For festive or ceremonial occassions Mundum Neriyathum has broad golden or zari border as Kara which is called Kasavu. This variant is called Kasavu Mundu Neriyathum. Kasavu is worn by all women of all age group during Onam.

There is a one more variant which is called Set Veshti. This has a mundu and a small piece of cloth to be worn as blouse. This saree does not have pallu or neriyathum.

Nowadays Kerala Sarees or Kasavu Sarees are also in trend. These sarees are mostly white or cream in colour like traditional ones but are single piece six yard sarees. It has golden kasavu border and completely resembles kasavu mundu neriyathum.

While Getting a blouse stitched

As it is necessary to drape your saree well, it is also neccessary to get a well fitted blouse stitched. So here is a guide to know what to remember while getting a blouse stitched.

Guide to get a well fitted blouse

Courtesy: popxo.com

Tips to Preserve Silk Sarees

Silk sarees never lose its charm and always remain in fashion. Anytime it can be worn. Silk fabric needs some extra care to maintain it for long.

Here are some tips to preserve silk sarees for years:

1. Always refold silk sarees in 3months to avoid tear on creases.

2. Keep them in a dry and cold place covered in muslin cloth and always fold in such a way to avoid damage to the zari and let the zari be faced inwards to preserve its sheen.

3. As these sarees are worn only for few hours at a time, there is no need to wash it after every use, just airing it inside the
house will do.

4. You can either dry clean or wash it at home using mild detergents and wash body, pallu, and border separately.

5. Take care to avoid stains. If saree gets any sort of stain then clean it right away.

Kanjeevaram Sarees

Kanjeevaram Sarees are the traditional silk sarees woven by the weavers of Kanchipuram. It is referred as "Queen of Silk Sarees". In 2005, "Kanchipuram Silk Sarees" received the 'Geographical Indication' tag, the first product in India to carry this label.

Kanchipuram town is located in Tamilnadu of South India and is famous for its Pallav temples and hand woven silk sarees and even called silk city. As estimated in 2008, nearly 5000 families who live in this town are engaged in this silk business.

According to Hindu Mythology, weavers of Kanchi are the descendants of Sage Markanda (master weaver of Gods who is supposed to have woven tissue from lotus fibre). Silk is also considered to be the favourite fabric of Lord Vishnu.

Kanjeevaram saree is known for its vibrant colours, Zari work and durability. These sarees can be preserved for more than 100 years and become a heirloom piece. Every south indian girl will have this magnificient Kanjeevaram saree in her wedding trousseau. These sarees are lovingly worn by people of all ages.

The motifs used in a Kanchipuram saree are heavily based on the Pallava temples,
palaces and paintings. Moons, chariots, peacocks, parrots, swans, lions, coins, mangoes, leaves and many such motifs are woven into Kanchipuram patterns. Other common motifs include a jasmine bud within a square or a round frame. Another is Thandavalam where parallel lines run across the body of the Sari. However, these days one can see scenes from great epics, Ramayana and along with the Bhagwad Gita being used as motifs.

Weaving style of these sarees is also very unique. If the pallu or border has to be woven in a different shade then it is first separately woven and then delicately joined to the Saree. The part where the saree's body meets the border and pallu is often denoted by a zig zag line. 

These sarees are available in a large price range depending on the quality of silk, design, and the amount of gold thread work in the saree. A single Kanchipuram saree can cost between 2500 INR to 100000 INR. The zari used in Kanjeevaram sarees is the gold-dipped silver threads. The heavier the saree the costlier it is and also more pure. A double shade will cost you more than a single shade and length and width of the pallu and border also determines the cost.