Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Buying a Kasavu Saree? Checks for Authentic Handloom Before Onam
A Kasavu saree is a traditional Kerala saree with a white or off-white body and a gold-colored border.
Some sarees are woven by hand, while others are made by machines.
To check for a handloom saree, look for the official Handloom Mark.
You can also examine the cloth closely for small natural changes in the weave.
A border that is too shiny or appears stuck onto the fabric may need closer checking.
The border should be woven into the saree rather than printed on it.
Sarees from places such as Balaramapuram, Kuthampully and Chendamangalam have recognised weaving traditions.
A GI tag shows where a product comes from, while the Handloom Mark is meant to show that it was handwoven.
A genuine handloom Kasavu saree should be assessed by its weave, construction, provenance and certification—not just its white fabric or shiny border.
Buyers should look for the Government of India’s Handloom Mark and verify its label or QR code when available.
Small irregularities may indicate hand weaving, while machine-made fabric generally has a more uniform appearance.
The border should be woven into the saree, and an unusually glossy finish or suspiciously low price merits closer inspection.
Balaramapuram, Kuthampully and Chendamangalam are recognised Kerala handloom centres, while GI recognition and the Handloom Mark serve different purposes.
- Who
- People planning to buy Kasavu sarees, particularly during Onam, and sellers of Kerala handloom sarees.
- What
- A guide explaining how to check whether a Kasavu saree is an authentic handloom product or a machine-made imitation.
- When
- The guide was published and last updated on August 25, 2026, ahead of Onam.
- Where
- Kerala, especially the handloom centres of Balaramapuram, Kuthampully and Chendamangalam.
- Why
- To help buyers assess a saree’s handloom status, construction, origin, certification and value before purchasing.
- Traditional appearance
- Kasavu sarees generally have a white or off-white body with a gold-toned border.
- Handloom certification
- The Government of India’s Handloom Mark is intended to assure buyers that a product is handwoven.
- Weave check
- Handwoven fabric may show small variations, while machine-made fabric tends to look more uniform.
- Border construction
- The metallic border should be woven into the saree rather than printed or stuck onto it.
- Recognised weaving centres
- Balaramapuram, Kuthampully and Chendamangalam are important Kerala handloom centres.
- Zari materials
- Contemporary Kasavu weaving can use high-quality imitation zari; Balaramapuram Kasavu traditionally uses silver threads coated with gold.
- GI and Handloom Mark
- GI recognition identifies geographical origin and characteristics, while the Handloom Mark specifically concerns handwoven production.