Rashmika Mandanna's Coorgi drape isn't just pretty, it has a story

For her Kodagu wedding reception, Rashmika Mandanna draped her silk saree in the traditional Coorgi style. While it looks elegant and graceful, it also carries many stories and cultural meanings with it.

In Short

• Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna looked stunning at their Kodagu reception
• The new bride wore a green and pink silk saree in Coorgi drape style
• The draping style reflects Kodava community's warrior heritage and cultural identity

Just when everyone thought Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna had wrapped up their wedding festivities, the couple made a striking appearance at their Kodagu reception earlier this week. Also known as Coorg, Kodagu is Mandanna’s hometown, making the celebration all the more special.

For the reception, Deverakonda kept it classic in a black suit, while Mandanna leaned into tradition with a green and pink silk saree. Much like her haldi ceremony and wedding, she chose statement gold jewellery to complete the look.

What truly caught everyone’s attention, however, was her saree draping style. Staying connected to her roots, Mandanna chose the traditional Coorgi (Kodava) drape.

Unlike the more common saree style where the pallu falls over the left shoulder, the Coorgi drape is worn differently. Here, the fabric is wrapped neatly around the body, and the pallu is brought over the right shoulder and secured in place. This gives the saree a more structured and elegant look, while also keeping it practical and easy to manage.

Among Karnataka’s many saree styles, the Coorgi drape really stands out. It’s graceful, but also highly functional, something that reflects the strong and grounded Kodava community of Coorg. With its front-falling pallu and the neat knot at the back, it’s not just about appearance, but also about meaning and identity.

This drape tells the story of a warrior community that has always stayed close to nature and taken pride in its roots. It beautifully brings together tradition and practicality, making it one of the most distinctive saree styles in India.

The draping style is believed to have roots in old myths and traditions. According to legend, when Goddess Kaveri, believed to be the wife of Sage Agastya, transformed herself into a river to nourish the land and its people, the strong flow of the river pushed her saree pleats backward. This powerful image is said to have inspired the unique Coorgi drape, where the pleats fall in the opposite direction.

Over time, this detail became more than just a visual difference. It turned into a cultural symbol. The reversed pleats are often seen as a subtle reminder of Kaveri’s strength, grace, and life-giving nature, deeply connecting the drape to the land and its mythology.

The Kodavas were also known for their martial lifestyle, so the saree was worn in a way that allowed easy movement. Women could go about their day, whether working in coffee plantations, cooking, or taking part in celebrations, without feeling restricted or uncomfortable.

Mandanna has been seen flaunting this draping style on several occasions, often bringing her own effortless charm to it each time.

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