The mundum neriyathum, as most people know, is traditional Hindu Kerala wear. Worn daily by many, the garment is two pieces of unstitched cloth. One form the mundu, a sarong like drape, and the upper piece, the neriyathu, forms the covering for the torso. Always made of cotton, the border, called the kara usually is coloured. For special occasions, the kara is gold. A few years ago, I bought one with a silver kara. It totally transforms the look when worn without really losing its traditional essence. I love the versatility of the mundu neriyathu because you can wear it with just about anything. I have worn it with tops, bandhej blouses, plain raw silk and brocade. This Vishu, I chose a grey khun (from Maharashtra) blouse. In the picture, is also my mother wearing a traditional mundum neriyathu with a gold border.