Santa-themed lungi from Kerala go viral: 'Can’t tell if he’s joking or dead serious'

The lungi also had embellishments that glowed in the dark. (Inage credit: Ameer Abu/Instagram)

Christmas vibes are already in full swing in Kerala, and this year, it’s not the lights or the carols that are stealing the spotlight, but a wildly creative line of festive dhotis that has taken social media by surprise. A recent viral video has turned a small shop in Pothencode into an online sensation after showcasing lungis splashed with Christmas-themed artwork, including some embellishments that glowed in the dark, that blends holiday cheer with unmistakable South Indian flair.

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The video features Ameer Abu, who confidently models and promotes the one-of-a-kind lungis. One lungi displays a print of gigantic Santa Claus covering almost the entire back, while the front is filled with diagonal layers of bells, shiny motifs, decorative borders, and starry patterns. The design looked more like a walking Christmas poster than traditional attire, and people online are absolutely loving the boldness.

Ameer doesn’t stop at lungis either. He also showed that the store carries shirts in matching holiday prints, available in both white and black. In the clip, he cheerfully invites viewers to reach out if they want to buy from the collection, saying, “We have so many things for Christmas. From shirts, hats, to lovely hats in white and black colours.”

As expected, the internet had a field day with the creativity. One viewer joked, “I genuinely can’t tell if he’s joking or dead serious.” Another wondered if the lungi “glows in the dark or comes with an LED bulb.” Someone else quipped, “The British would be regretting converting South Indians now.” And a fourth person added, “Now Santa has to feel, smell, and witness things he never imagined.”

But the designs didn’t sit well with everyone. A section of viewers expressed discomfort, saying the imagery felt disrespectful. One commenter wrote, “I don’t want to offend anyone, but as a Christian, this doesn’t feel right. For us, Santa Claus is a symbol we respect. Please don’t do things like this. Respect other religions the way we respect all.”