People in Bengaluru started waiting outside the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation(KSIC) showroom from 4 AM. The showroom’s opening time is 10 AM, but the shortage in supply for the product led to an unexpected rush. Hundreds of eager buyers waited patiently for hours before the shop opened to get Mysore Silk Sarees.
One Saree Per Buyer
A token system was introduced by the showroom, and entry was allowed only to the buyers with a token. One customer can buy only one saree, so more and more people can get their hands on the saree. The craze for the Mysore Silk Saree is higher than the craze for the iPhone in Bengaluru.
Reason For The Rush
The main reason for the unprecedented rush is a shortage of supply, and Mysore Silk Sarees are always in demand. Lack of skilled artisans and a long procedure in manufacturing adds to the shortage. The sarees are made by 100% Mulberry Silk, and real silver and gold are used in zari. Buyers like to buy these sarees because they carry a geographical indication(GI) tag. The manufacturing is fully under the control of state owned Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation(KSIC). The demand for Mysore Silk Sarees increases during the wedding season and festivals like Diwali and Varalaxmi Pooja.
Price Of Mysore Silk Sarees
The price ranges from Rs. 23,000 to Rs. 2,50,000. The varieties include basic designs in the lower range and a premium wedding collection in the high range. The price has increased over the last year due to an increase in the price of silver and gold.
Social Media Divided On The Viral Video
Social media is divided over the viral video as some get nostalgic, some have positive responses, and a few have some negative responses.
Here are some of the comments on X
Why don’t they sell these silk sarees to the highest bidders and let the artists make some extra money?
Another user wrote
It’s not an Apple store in India, it’s a govt saree showroom in Karnataka. You need a token to enter and 1 saree per customer. What a monopoly, Boss.
One of the users also commented
Mysore Silk is absolutely overhyped and overpriced! It is crepe and not even pure silk! It is machine-made and not handloom either! Certainly not worth all the thousands and thousands they charge!
You get far better quality original Pattu Sarees in Tamil Nadu and Andhra!
The craze for Mysore Silk Sarees will remain for ages to come, and there are also cheap imitations readily available. But the original will always be in demand because of high quality, good demand and low production. Buyers will keep buying it for ages to come.
(Thumbnail image source- Deccan Herald)
