The Rachu is a ceremonial cloth worn over the left shoulder by women.

It traditionally doubled as a baby-carrier, and was folded in thirds along its length for ceremonial use. The most popular ground colours are red and maroon.

I have noticed three main styles currently in use (pictured L-R below):

1. Bands of the ground colour embellished with supplementary weft motifs and separated by multicoloured stripes. Supplementary weft patterns at each end are not aligned with the warp stipes, producing a lively effect.

2. Embroidered with the 8 auspicious symbols or other designs

3. A web of gold diamonds filled with coloured motifs that look like jewels from a distance (though the one below at right is all gold)