during their visits to the temples and attending religious functions, though it is not mandatory at all places. However, it is a mandatory requirement to wear mundu and mel mundu for men to visit some famous temples in Kerala like the Guruvayur Temple, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple) etc. For the convenience of devotees, temple managements may provide these on rent in the temple premises. Women A variant called a mundum neriyatum is used more often by women. The mundum neriyatum is a set of two mundus, both having matching kara. The set contains a lower garment similar to those worn by men. The upper mundu, worn with a blouse, is wrapped once around the waist and upper body and left hanging from the left shoulder, resembling a sari. This is often called a set-mundu. This is usually worn during festivals or special occasions. A veshti is a small piece of cloth (generally put on the shoulders) along with a mundu, which is worn in Kerala amongst Malayalis for formal occasions. Kerala Lungi In Kerala, the lungi, also called or , is worn by both men and women. Labourers prefer to wear lungis while working. Most men in Kerala use lungi as casual wear or as a house dress, as it is quite comfortable to wear. Lungis are generally colourful, and with varying designs. They are not worn during occasions such as weddings or other religious ceremonies. Saffron-coloured lungis () are also commonly worn by men. See also Lungi Mundum neriyatum Sarong Toga References South India By Richard Plunkettx. Female Ascetics: Hierarchy and Purity in an Indian Religious Movement By Wendy Sinclair-Brull page number 170. The Syrian Christians of Kerala By S. G. Pothan. Indian clothing Skirts Culture of Karnataka