Udayada: VerumVazhiyum (Attire: Root and Path): A Marvellous Dress and Jewellery Exhibition at Malayalam University

Clothes define identity; be it cultural, social or individual. It has an integral function in a society’s history. Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University is hosting a three day exhibition depicting the traditional attire of Kerala. The exhibition holds a grand collection of dress, jewellery and make up which has been integrated into the culture of Keralites for a long time. Vice Chancellor Shri. K. Jayakumar inaugurated the exhibition at a function presided by the Registrar, Dr.K.M.Bharathan at the University campus. Clothing transcends time, place and gender. The exhibition looks at this transformation of clothing while revealing the social history woven into them. The collection includes beautiful wedding dress embellished with gold and silver, outfits of various religious and tribalcommunities, jewellery and accessories including watches and umbrellas. A wedding dress of 1927 and veils used by Muslim brides reflect the modifications in the clothing patterns of Keralites. The costumes and make up of various indigenous classical art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattamand ritual art forms like Theyyam adorn the exhibition. The exhibition is jointly organised by the Departments of Cultural Heritage Studies and History.