As the vibrant harvest festival of Pongal approaches in January 2026, fashion eyes are turning towards timeless tradition with a modern twist. The classic Kerala Kasavu saree, renowned for its cream or off-white body and resplendent golden borders, is set to be the standout ensemble for the celebrations. This iconic drape, traditionally worn during major South Indian festivals like Onam, Pongal, and Vishu, as well as weddings, is getting a contemporary makeover. Leading the style charge are South India's beloved actresses, who have recently showcased how to wear the Kasavu with unparalleled elegance and a touch of modern flair.
Star-Studded Inspiration for the Festival
The beauty of the Kasavu lies in its versatility. It can be styled for utmost tradition or adapted with subtle tweaks for a fresh, contemporary feel. For Pongal 2026, fashion enthusiasts need look no further than the closets of these leading ladies for perfect inspiration. Their recent appearances provide a masterclass in balancing heritage aesthetics with personal style.
Keerthy Suresh's Classic Elegance
Known for her graceful persona, Keerthy Suresh recently demonstrated how to master the classic look. She chose a beautiful beige and gold Kasavu saree, draping it with neat precision. The standout element of her ensemble was a bold, contrasting scarlet red sleeveless blouse. This single choice injected a vibrant, contemporary energy into the traditional outfit, proving that a pop of colour can work wonders.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu's Detailed Sophistication
For those aiming to make a statement at Pongal gatherings, Samantha Ruth Prabhu's look serves as ideal inspiration. She selected an off-white saree featuring an intricate golden border. She paired it with a uniquely detailed beige blouse that boasted a high neckline, polka dots, and elegant elbow-length sleeves. By keeping jewellery minimal and styling her hair in a bun with side braids, she achieved a look that was both refined and strikingly beautiful.
Rashmika Mandanna's Minimalist Chic
Rashmika Mandanna embraced a more understated yet equally captivating approach. She was seen in a nude-coloured Kasavu saree adorned with detailed work on its border. Opting for cohesion, she chose a sleeveless blouse in the same shade. Her accessories were limited to classic golden jewellery, and she wore her hair down in a simple, straight style. This minimalist aesthetic highlighted the saree's intricate craftsmanship and her natural charm.
Sai Pallavi's Ethereal Simplicity
Sai Pallavi's now-iconic beach photoshoot in a Kasavu saree captured hearts with its pure, effortless beauty. Embodying a radiant, bridal-like glow, she proved that simplicity often makes the strongest statement. She wore a pristine white Kasavu with a golden border and a matching elbow-length blouse. Her hairstyle—a high-rise bun decorated with fresh gajra (jasmine flowers)—added an unforgettable touch of traditional fragrance and elegance, perfectly complementing her serene smile.
Nayanthara's Regal Red Carpet Moment
Even at a high-profile event like the Ambani wedding, Nayanthara showcased the Kasavu's red-carpet potential. She forewent overt glamour for a subtle, sophisticated look. She draped a Kanjeevaram silk Kasavu in beautiful beige hues with a gold border. The saree's subtle sheen was magnificent. She paired it with a sleeveless matching blouse and completed the ensemble with stunning golden temple jewellery. This look perfectly bridged the gap between festive wear and high-fashion occasion wear.
Embrace Tradition for Pongal 2026
As Pongal 2026 draws near on January 9, these styles offer a rich source of inspiration. The key takeaway from these divas is that the Kasavu saree is a canvas for personal expression. Whether it's through a bold blouse colour like Keerthy Suresh, intricate styling like Samantha, minimalist beauty like Rashmika, floral accents like Sai Pallavi, or regal jewellery like Nayanthara, there are countless ways to make this traditional drape your own. This Pongal, embrace the heritage of the Kasavu and celebrate the festival in style, inspired by the best of South Indian cinema fashion.
