10 Onam Accessories to Complete Your Kasavu Saree Look

September 25, 2026

The kasavu saree is perfection in simplicity — but the right accessories make it unforgettable

The Kasavu Saree: Kerala's Most Beloved Outfit

Every Onam, Kerala women drape themselves in the iconic kasavu saree — cream white with a golden zari border. It is elegant, timeless, and deeply symbolic of Kerala's identity. But a kasavu saree is a canvas, and the accessories you choose are the art.

Here are 10 essential accessories to complete your Onam kasavu saree look — from jewellery to hair, from fragrance to footwear.

1. Kunjalam — The Braid Tassel Your Kasavu Look Needs

No Onam look is complete without a Kunjalam in your braid. The silk thread tassel is the most traditional and beautiful hair accessory for a kasavu saree look — adding colour, movement, and cultural pride to your braid.

A green, gold, or white Kunjalam pairs exceptionally well with the cream and gold of the kasavu saree.

👉 Kudamulla - Kunjalam — a delicate, handcrafted silk tassel perfect for your Onam braid
👉 Kathakali - Kunjalam — vibrant and festive, ideal for the spirit of Onam celebrations

2. Fresh Mogra Gajra

The fragrant white mogra gajra is as essential to Onam as the kasavu saree itself. Pin it along your braid above the Kunjalam for a look that is both beautiful and beautifully fragrant. The white flowers complement the cream kasavu perfectly.

Tip: Layer mogra gajra with your Kunjalam for the ultimate traditional Onam braid.

3. Palakka Mala (Green Stone Necklace)

The Palakka mala — a traditional Kerala necklace with green stones set in gold — is the definitive jewellery piece for a kasavu saree look. The green stones contrast beautifully against the cream saree and complement the gold zari border.

Best for: Traditional Onam looks, temple visits, family celebrations

4. Kasumala (Gold Coin Necklace)

The Kasumala is a string of gold coins worn as a necklace — a symbol of prosperity and a Kerala bridal staple that also looks stunning for Onam. Heavy, grand, and utterly regal against a white kasavu saree.

5. Jhumka Earrings

Classic gold jhumkas are the earring of choice for a kasavu saree look. Their gentle swing and traditional design complement the simplicity of the kasavu without overpowering it. Go for medium to large gold jhumkas for maximum impact.

6. Silk Thread Hair Accessories — For a Modern Onam Look

If you're going for a contemporary take on your Onam look, our silk thread hair accessories are the perfect modern alternative to traditional ornaments. Lightweight, vibrant, and handcrafted — they add colour and texture to your braid effortlessly.

👉 Jamanthi - Hair Accessory — warm golden tones that echo the zari border of your kasavu
👉 Sunset Blend - Hair Accessory — rich, festive hues that complement the Onam colour palette

7. Maang Tikka

A simple gold maang tikka at the centre parting of your hair adds a graceful finishing touch to the Onam kasavu look. Keep it delicate and traditional — a small pendant with a single stone works beautifully.

8. Glass Bangles & Gold Bangles

Stack your wrists with a combination of thin gold bangles and white or green glass bangles to stay true to the Onam colour palette. The soft clink of bangles as you move through the pookalam setup is pure Onam magic.

9. Sandal or Kolhapuri Footwear

Traditional footwear matters. A pair of gold or tan leather sandals, Kolhapuri chappals, or embroidered Kerala-style footwear completes the kasavu look from head to toe. Avoid closed shoes — the kasavu saree calls for open, elegant footwear.

10. Jasmine Perfume or Attar

The finishing touch that people remember long after you've left the room — a light, floral jasmine or sandalwood attar. Fragrance is deeply part of Onam's sensory experience, and the right scent completes your look in the most invisible, unforgettable way.

Which Hairstyle Works Best with a Kasavu Saree?

The kasavu saree is elegant and understated — so your hairstyle should complement its grace rather than compete with it. Here are the best hairstyles:

🥇 Best: The Traditional Kunjalam Braid

A long, sleek, well-oiled braid with a Kunjalam at the tip and fresh mogra gajra woven along the length. This is the quintessential hairstyle for a kasavu saree — worn by Kerala brides, classical dancers, and Onam celebrants for generations. It is graceful, traditional, and impossibly beautiful.

👉 Shop Kudamulla - Kunjalam | Shop Kathakali - Kunjalam

🥈 Runner-up: The Low Jasmine Bun

A neatly coiled low bun at the nape of the neck, adorned with a full circle of fresh jasmine or marigold flowers. Classic, elegant, and perfect for those with shorter hair or who prefer an updo.

🥉 Modern Pick: The Side Braid with Silk Hair Accessory

A single braid swept to one side over the shoulder, accessorised with a silk thread hair accessory. Perfect for a contemporary Onam look that honours tradition while adding a modern touch.

👉 Shop Jamanthi - Hair Accessory | Shop Sunset Blend - Hair Accessory

Hair Tips for the Kasavu Saree Look

Oil your hair the night before — coconut oil is traditional and gives the sleek finish a braid needs
Keep it neat and polished — the kasavu saree's simplicity calls for hair that is well-groomed, not undone
Match Kunjalam colour to saree accents — green, gold, or white are the safest and most beautiful choices
Add flowers — mogra, marigold, or champak flowers in the braid are non-negotiable for the full Onam effect