Chele ಚ್ಯೆಲೆ

The Waist Band of the Kodava kupya  

Chele is a traditional waist band worn by Kodava men to secure the kupya, the traditional long black robe worn as part of Kodava male attire. it hold the peeche kathi firmly.The chele is of deep red or crimson silk with gold brocade all along its length. It is a beautifully tasseled sash intricately woven with decorative motifs like flowers, peacocks and mangoes. It is 7 to 8 meters long. The chele is tied around the waist two or three times depending on the length keeping enough fabric at both ends to form a short loop resembling a bow in the Western attire. The ends of the chele have attractive tassels.

Part of Traditional Dress

The Kupya is designed to be worn around the body, and the Chele provides the support needed to keep the garment securely in place.Though simple in appearance, the Chele is therefore an essential functional element of traditional Kodava dress.

More Than an Accessory

Traditional clothing is often made up of several individual components, each with a specific purpose.The Chele demonstrates how Kodava attire combined function, simplicity and identity.

Heritage Note

When seen together — the Kupya, Chele and other elements of traditional Kodava attire — they form a distinctive visual expression of Kodava heritage.

The Chele may be small, but it helps hold an entire tradition of dress together. Peeche kathi is inserted into the chele

Virtual Modha goode

• Virtiual Modhagood – The virtual Museum of Kodava Heritage.