Man in mundu and neryathu

Mundu is one of the most popular dresses worn by men in Kerala. It is, moreover, the traditional wear of Malayalee men, too. This long cotton cloth is normally doubled and tucked around the waist.

There are many social rules regarding the wearing of the Mundu. In Kerala, men generally tuck up their mundus. The bottom of the garment is pulled up and tied back on to the waist. This would make the cloth only cover the body from the waist to the knees.

However, on formal occasions, the mundu is not tucked up. In such a state it covers the legs completely. The usual combination of a Mundu is with a shirt or jubba.

But in more formal occasions, a Neryathu (a small piece of cloth) is put over the shoulders as seen in the video. It is done more frequently during religious events.