Onam is Kerala's most beloved festival — a time of flowers, feasts, family, and above all, the joy of dressing in your finest traditional attire. If you're putting together your Onam look this year, don't forget the detail that completes every Kerala outfit: the right Kerala hair accessory. This guide covers everything you need to know about styling your hair for Onam, from the classic kasavu saree look to modern fusion styles.
The Traditional Onam Look
The signature Onam outfit is the Kerala kasavu saree — cream white with a gold zari border. Worn with gold jewellery, jasmine flowers in the hair, and a long oiled braid, it is one of the most graceful traditional looks in India. The finishing touch to this look? A beautifully crafted Kunjalam at the end of your braid.
Why Kunjalam is the Perfect Onam Hair Accessory
The Kunjalam is Kerala's traditional braid adornment — a cluster of tassels and pom-poms tied at the tip of the plait. It is the most authentic Onam hair accessory you can wear, rooted in centuries of Kerala festive tradition. At KANAV Store, our Kunjalam is reimagined with Parandi-style inspiration — longer, bolder, and richer in texture — so it makes a statement while honouring the tradition.
For Onam, we recommend pairing your Kunjalam with:
- A white Kerala kasavu saree or half-saree
- A long oiled braid or a simple plait
- Jasmine flowers or a gold hair clip near the crown
- Gold jhumka earrings to complement the Kunjalam's tassels
Onam Hair Accessory Colour Guide
Choosing the right colour Kunjalam for Onam depends on your outfit:
- White kasavu saree: Gold-toned or cream Kunjalam for a classic temple look; forest green or deep maroon for a contemporary twist
- Coloured set saree or pattu: Match or contrast — a pink Kunjalam on a green saree, or a gold Kunjalam on a red silk
- Fusion/western ethnic: Bold colours like sunflower yellow, bougainvillea pink, or olive green work beautifully
Modern Onam Styling with Kerala Hair Accessories
Not everyone wears a kasavu saree for Onam anymore — and that's perfectly fine. Kerala hair accessories like the Kunjalam work just as well with:
- A churidar or salwar in Kerala cotton
- A fusion indo-western outfit with ethnic jewellery
- Even a simple cotton kurta for a more casual Onam celebration
The Kunjalam adds an instant Kerala festive touch to any outfit, making it the most versatile Onam hair accessory you can own.
Shop Onam Hair Accessories at KANAV Store
At KANAV Store, we design handcrafted Kunjalam hair accessories inspired by Kerala's colours, culture, and celebrations. Whether you're dressing for Onam Sadhya, a family gathering, or a cultural event, we have a Kunjalam that completes your look.
Visit kanavstore.in to explore our full collection of Kerala hair accessories for Onam and find the one that speaks to your style.
Onam Ashamsakal — Happy Onam from KANAV! 🌸