Picture the sound of drums, the fragrance of jasmine flowers, and rows of people dressed in white and gold. That’s Kerala on a festival day, and right at the heart of that image is the kasavu saree. Minimalist at first glance, yet deeply symbolic, it has become a tradition that refuses to fade. What makes a Kasavu a Kasavu? At first glance, the kasavu might look “plain” compared to the colorful silks of Banaras or the intricate embroidery of Lucknow. But that’s exactly the point. The body of the saree is traditionally ivory or off-white, woven from cotton, while the edges are lined with a golden border. That border, called kasavu, is what gives the saree its name. Originally, the gold was real fine threads of beaten gold woven into the fabric. Over time, real gold gave way to copper

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