There’s something so beautiful about the harvest festival of Onam. From the early start in the morning where homes will see the floral pookalam (rangoli) made with fresh flowers, followed by the aroma of coconut being roasted to be brought into the day’s cooking to the Onam sadya traditionally comprising over 26 dishes served on a banana leaf) and of course, meeting and greeting loved ones, there's a whole lot of fun in store.
A harbinger of peace, prosperity and abundance, Onam is also symbolised by wearing the classic white and gold kasavu sari. Light and elegant, the beautiful drape is such an intrinsic part of the celebration and embodies its culture as much as the laughter, reunion and food that goes into it all. It's no surprises then, that the sari is a favourite with so many stars from Alia Bhatt to Janhvi Kapoor, Malvika Mohanan and Rashmika Mandanna.
You'll find that the graceful sari is in stark contrast to heavy embroidery and the usual trappings of heavier occasion wear, yet it charmingly makes the case of minimalist dressing in its raw ivory cotton and metallic gold thread avatar. Simplicity is its mainstay and today, you can wear the sari with different coloured borders from maroon to deep green, printed blouses, team it with a pastel blazer, a floral gajra bun and even get experimental with some bohemian jewellery to complete the look.
Where to Get Your Kasavu Saris For Onam
Almarah
Onam, but make it Bridgerton! That’s right. Almarah’s Bridgerton-inspired Onam Collection brings out the romance of lavender blooms in sync with timeless charm of traditional Kerala fabric. It meets beautiful hand-embroidered florals weaving their way through ivory and cream. Light and magical, perfect for the day!
Huts and Looms
The kasavu sarees are regal, in the classic palette of cream, to represent purity and peace and gold, for prosperity and good fortune.
Eliswa
Conjure up an image of Onam’s white and gold drawing board, with a touch of lavender added in. That’s the collection from Eliswa, with saris crafted in premium mul cotton and finished with authentic hand block printed artistry.
Kalakaari
Chathuram, the label by designer Kalakaari brings geometry into the weave as it reimagines traditional Kerala handlooms with geometric, chequered patterns. In premium fabrics, the drapes flow beautifully, making them perfect for the harvest festival.
Trove
Onam sadhya-ready and picture-perfect, these saris are a blend of nostalgia and style, with gold borders meeting traditional textures.