Kasaragod Handloom Cotton Saree Cooperative Kerala

Kasaragod in Kerala northernmost district is the centre of a distinctive cotton handloom tradition producing sarees, dhotis, and yardage characterised by bold colour blocks, wide contrasting borders, and temple motifs woven on pit looms by Muslim weaver families in Kumbla, Bekal, and Kasaragod town. The Kasaragod handloom cooperative cluster is supported by the Kerala Handloom Development Corporation and supplies sarees directly to government emporiums and garment exporters. Master weavers carry design knowledge of traditional border patterns including fish motif, temple kalash, and peacock feather transmitted through oral instruction and household practice. Handloom cotton yarn is procured from Coimbatore and Erode spinning mills. Cotton dyeing uses both synthetic and natural colour depending on buyer specification. The cooperative provides welfare support including medical insurance, provident fund, and housing loan schemes for registered handloom workers in Kasaragod. The district economy also depends on cashew processing, arecanut, and rubber alongside handloom.