Angavastram
A long upper cloth worn over the shoulder, especially with a dhoti and at temple and ritual occasions.
Also: angavastra, angavastra, upper cloth
Angavastram means a cloth for the body in Sanskrit. It is a long rectangle of cloth, usually with a border, that is worn over the shoulder or round the neck by men, most often in south India with a dhoti or a veshti. It is part of formal and ritual dress at temples, weddings and ceremonies, and is also given as an honour to guests and elders. A saree pallu serves a similar purpose for women. Angavastrams are woven in cotton and silk, with borders in zari or contrast colours.