Reimagining the 'kasavu' hue of Onam – featuring Rajagiri students and Kerala designers

For Malayalis across the world, Onam is more than a festival, it’s a deeply spiritual connection. Rooted in the idea of equality, the season brings together Malayalis from every walk of life, wherever they may be. The golden hue that once radiated from Kerala’s farmlands now lives on through tradition and attire. Come Onam, from students to officegoers, everyone gleams in the timeless glow of kasavu - cream, off-white, and golden ensembles that embody the spirit of the season.

In 2025, as part of #OnmanoramaHandpicked, we set out to capture two enduring spirits of Onam: cross-cultural interaction and the ways designers keep the hue fresh year after year. We pair thoughtful design with people who wear it with intent, letting their words and presence take the lead. This edition features students of Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamassery, set against two backdrops that echo Kochi’s layered charm: the palace-town serenity of Thripunithura lanes and Chooral Villa in Vyttila, a bamboo craft space steeped in texture.

The concept is clear and deliberate: international students are draped in canonical Kerala styles, while Malayalis explore contemporary interpretations and fusion twists. Onam is for everyone, and the festival’s spirit is reflected in each silhouette, gesture, and detail.

The makeup was done by Face Palette Makeup Academy, Kochi. The work was coordinated by CEO Lekshmi Menon, whose team crafted looks that were stunning yet subtle. They brought out a radiant Kerala glow while enhancing—rather than masking—the models’ natural features. The result was beauty that felt effortless, rooted, and unforgettable.

Below, meet five models and the designers who brought their looks to life. Each entry is accompanied by a video in the story package.

Faith ft. Ithal

Faith came to Kerala from Nigeria three years ago. Onam has become a window into this vibrant land and its harvest spirit. She describes the festival as a season to learn about people and their culture and to appreciate the joy woven into harvest celebrations.

For this story, she wears a Kerala kasavu saree from Ithal, embroidered with Nelkathir, the rice panicles in gold that shimmer in Kerala’s fields. The golden threads catch the light, reflecting both the festival’s abundance and the quiet grace with which Faith carries herself. Draped in the saree, she embodies respect and curiosity, allowing the fabric to speak alongside her presence.

Pournami ft. Vibhaa

Pournami grew up in Dubai, where Onam was observed with family gatherings, Malayali Association events, and annual festive dressing. Now a student in Kochi, she is drawn to fusion wear that balances tradition with modern ease.

She wears a sleeveless coord set from Vibhaa, crafted from off-white Kerala saree fabric with silver and gold accents. The subtle shimmer enhances the minimalist structure of the outfit, allowing Pournami’s poise and natural elegance to define the look. Every movement in the fabric conveys the spirit of Onam—reflective, celebratory, and attuned to personal presence.

Innocent ft. Disha Creationz

Innocent has made Kochi his second home, arriving from Uganda and embracing the city’s greenery, food, and community. For him, Onam is gratitude, joy, and togetherness.

He wears an off-white kurta with fine embroidery, paired with a golden-bordered mundu styled by Disha Creationz. The kurta falls with ease, while the mundu’s gold border catches the light, lending a subtle rhythm to his movements. His posture and presence convey connection and belonging, and the traditional silhouette reflects both respect for heritage and his personal engagement with the festival.

Krishnapriya ft. Vibhaa

Sixteen years of dance have shaped Krishnapriya’s poise, giving her a fluidity that translates naturally on camera. As a student at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, her training in classical and Western forms informs the way she carries herself.

She wears a long-sleeved dress from Vibhaa Boutique, made from off-white Kerala saree fabric with golden lines. Handpainted heliconias in bright red, accented with delicate beadwork, bloom across the fabric, while tassels at the hem add subtle movement. On Krishnapriya, the dress moves like choreography, bridging the legacy of Kerala fabrics with contemporary sensibilities. Each gesture, turn, and sway feels intentional, marrying tradition and personal expression.

Tinashe ft. Itiha

Tinashe carries a quiet strength in the way she wears a saree. Draped in The Chethi from Itiha’s 'Poovili – The Floral Whisper' collection, she embodies the fiery bloom on silk—fierce in spirit and delicate in detail. Inspired by the red Chethi flower, used in temples and Onam pookkalams, the Banarasi weave allows the drape to flow while holding its form.

Born in Malawi and pursuing her MBA at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Tinashe reflects on Onam as harvest, togetherness, colour, games, and the joy of being seen. The blouse, embroidered by Vineeth Gopinadhan with Chethi motifs on the sleeves, complements the saree’s floral pattern, giving the ensemble subtle strength and refined grace. Draped in the outfit, she balances heritage and personal identity, radiating pride, femininity, and presence.

The shoot

The students are from Rajagiri College of Social Sciences. Scenes were filmed across Thripunithura, highlighting its traditional charm, and at MT Varkey Brass and Bronze Store and Chooral Villa in Vyttila, a space featuring bamboo craft and furniture. Foreign students wore canonical Kerala silhouettes, while Malayalis explored modern, fusion interpretations. Every drape, colour, and gesture captures the exchange between culture, craft, and identity.

This is #OnmanoramaHandpicked — Onam 2025, seen through thoughtful design and the people who wear its spirit with care.