What is a Veshti? How does South Indian men's traditional wear differ from North Indian?

The Veshti (also called Mundu in Kerala, Dhoti in Hindi, and Panche in Karnataka) is the traditional lower garment for men across South India — a single piece of unstitched white or off-white cotton cloth draped around the waist.

Regional variations:

• Tamil Nadu: Veshti — typically white cotton with a coloured silk border. Formal occasions require a "double veshti" (two-layered drape). Often paired with a white jubba (long-sleeved shirt).
• Kerala: Mundu — similar to Veshti but often cream-coloured with a gold kasavu (zari) border. The signature Kerala festive wear.
• Karnataka: Panche — similar to Veshti with slightly different draping style.
• Andhra/Telangana: Dhoti — often in bright colours (not just white) for festive occasions.

vs North Indian: North Indian traditional men's lower garment is the dhoti (also unstitched) but draped differently — pulled up between the legs and tucked. Fully different from the South Indian flat-draped Veshti style.