About Kuthampully Handloom Village
Kuthampully is a traditional cotton weaving village located about 50 km northeast of Thrissur town in Kerala. For over 500 years, this village has been renowned for producing authentic handloom Kasavu sarees, mundus, and set mundus. The Devanga Chettiar weaving community settled here at the request of the Kochi Royal family to weave exclusively for the palace. Today, visitors can witness the intricate handloom weaving process and purchase GI-tagged authentic Kuthampully textiles directly from weavers.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore a traditional weaving village where individual households operate handlooms. The village offers opportunities to observe the complete handloom weaving process, from thread preparation to final fabric production. Visitors can interact with weavers, learn about the craft's 500-year heritage, and purchase authentic GI-tagged Kuthampully sarees, dhotis, and set mundus directly from artisan families. The village maintains its traditional character with narrow paths, green surroundings, and small temples.
Key highlights
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Over 500 years of continuous handloom weaving tradition
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Geographical Indication (GI) tagged authentic Kuthampully products since 2011
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Traditional Devanga Chettiar weaving community with approximately 800 families
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Famous for cream-colored Kasavu sarees with golden zari borders
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Direct purchase opportunities from weaver households
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Kuthampully Handloom Industrial Cooperative Society established in 1972
History of Kuthampully Handloom Village
The weaving tradition at Kuthampully dates back approximately 500 years when the Devanga Chettiar community of weavers migrated from Mysore (now Karnataka) at the invitation of the King of Kochi to weave garments exclusively for the royal family. The community settled along the banks of the Bharathapuzha and Gayathripuzha rivers. In 1972, the Kuthampully Handloom Industrial Cooperative Society was established with 102 members to preserve traditional methods and support weavers. In September 2011, Kuthampully sarees received Geographical Indication (GI) tag protection under the Geographical Indications Act.
Culture & Context
Kuthampully represents one of Kerala's most important handloom weaving centers, preserving a 500-year-old textile tradition. The village is home to the Devanga Chettiar community, who believe their weaving skills are a divine gift from Goddess Chamundeshwari. The traditional Kasavu sarees and mundus produced here are integral to Kerala's cultural identity, especially during festivals like Onam. The community maintains traditional beliefs that using modern power looms would anger their deity and compromise craftsmanship quality. The handloom products carry a Government of India handloom hallmark ensuring authenticity.