Pics: Niranjan M N
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Oct 22: The Original Abharan, the iconic jewellery brand that traces its roots to Udupi, celebrated the grand reopening of its flagship showroom and head office on CB Road, Udupi, on October 21, unveiling a completely revamped store with a contemporary infrastructure and refreshed design while retaining its rich heritage.
Established in 1935, the CB Road showroom was the brand’s first-ever store and has remained at the heart of its identity for more than nine decades. The historic establishment continues to function as the company’s head office and registered office, symbolizing its longstanding connection with Udupi and its journey through generations.
The grand reopening began with traditional rituals, followed by a formal inauguration ceremony. Renowned actress Ankitha Amar inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp along with other dignitaries, including, Geetha S Pai and Sumana Prabhu (children of Burude Sadananda Kamath), Shalini G Shankar, Sandhya Sathish Pai of Manipal Media Network, Rohini Shenoy, Latha Hegde, Geetha Hegde and Madhukar S Kamath, Chairman of Abharan Jewellers Private Limited.
Addressing the gathering, Ankitha Amar highlighted the emotional significance of gold jewellery and the legacy of The Original Abharan. “Jewellery is an expression of warmth and emotion. Before this building came into existence, a family lived here happily. Today, that family has transformed into a building that continues to welcome everyone warmly. The Original Abharan from Udupi is synonymous with emotion and bonding,” she said.
Emphasising the brand’s legacy, Ankitha Amar said that an organization with a history spanning 92 years did not need additional branding, as its reputation and heritage spoke for themselves. She appreciated the brand for standing strong over the decades while introducing innovative designs without compromising on tradition. She also underlined the enduring importance of gold in Indian culture.
Speaking about the reopening, Subhas M Kamath, managing director of Abharan Jewellers Private Limited, said, “Seeing our C B Road showroom reopen in a new and vibrant avatar is a proud moment for our entire family. This address has been part of Udupi’s commercial and cultural fabric for generations. The reopening has given us an opportunity to celebrate the bond we share with our customers and well-wishers. As we look back at how far our business has grown since 1935, we are also mindful of the responsibility that comes with carrying this legacy forward. Our focus has always been on strengthening the close relationships that have brought us this far, and we remain committed to ensuring that future generations, too, have every reason to choose ‘The Original Abharan’.”
Mahesh M Kamath, director of Abharan Jewellers Private Limited, said, “The renovated showroom has been designed to give our collections a greater sense of distinction and make it easier for customers to explore and find pieces that resonate with them. From wedding jewellery and heritage ornaments to gemstones and contemporary designs, the two floors bring together different expressions of our craftsmanship under one roof. For us, this reopening is an opportunity to demonstrate how a brand rooted in 1935 can respond to evolving customer preferences without losing its original identity. We see this as an important step in shaping the next phase of our retail journey.”
MLA Yashpal Suvarna said, “The reopening of The Original Abharan’s renovated showroom is a proud moment for Udupi. The organization has carved a special place in the jewellery industry and won the hearts of people through its legacy and service. By expanding across Karnataka, Subhas Kamath and Mahesh Kamath have made their collections accessible to customers in different regions. The Udupi showroom remains a matter of pride for the city. I wish The Original Abharan continued growth and success on a national level, bringing further recognition to Udupi.”
The reopening also marked the unveiling of several jewellery collections and dedicated sections at the renovated showroom, showcasing a blend of traditional craftsmanship, heritage designs and contemporary styles.
Purushottam Shetty of Ujwal Developers unveiled the wedding section, while Ranjana Shetty, mother of renowned actor Rakshith Shetty, unveiled the Ruby section. Girija Shivaram Shetty of Tallur groups unveiled the Heritage section, Bhargavi Aithal unveiled the Traditional section and Vimala Nayak unveiled the Contemporary section.
Sathish Pai of MAHE group inaugurated the Neolite section, while Shobha Shenoy unveiled the designs featured in the collection. The Maharashtrian jewellery section was inaugurated by Komal Prabhu of Maharaja Hotel, and Deepa Pai of Hangyo icecream and Meena Lakshani of Mummy & Me unveiled the Maharashtrian designs, Vijaya Laxmi Sooda unveiled the Pritty collection, adding to the range of collections presented at the revamped showroom.
The unveiling of the different sections highlighted The Original Abharan’s efforts to cater to diverse customer preferences while maintaining its association with traditional jewellery and craftsmanship.
The flagship store of Abharan Jewellers has been renovated in a sophisticated, modern style, giving it a fresh new look. Spanning two floors, this revamped store offers an exceptional shopping experience. It features dedicated sections for the brand’s diverse jewellery ranges, the ground floor houses the wedding collection, heritage and gemstone sections, along with an extensive assortment of gold jewellery. The first floor showcases the ‘Pritty’, ‘Neolite’ and contemporary collections.
RJ Nikitha Kini and Gowri Karnard compered the programme, while Arunitha Karnard rendered the invocation.
The event was attended by several members of the Kamath family, company representatives and distinguished guests, Subhas M Kamath, managing director of Abharan Jewellers Private Limited; Mahesh M Kamath, director of Abharan Jewellers Private Limited; Sandhya S Kamath; Veena M Kamath; Dr Arun Kuduva; Kshama Kuduva; Satvik S Kamath; Akarsh M Kamath; Shloka Kamath; Adrithi Kamath; Maya and Giridhar.
About The Original Abharan Jewellers, Udupi
The Original Abharan began its journey with a single showroom on CB Road in Udupi in 1935. Founded under the vision of Chairman Madhukar Kamath, the organization has since grown into a jewellery retail network comprising 20 stores across eight districts in Karnataka and Goa.
Remaining rooted in its coastal origins, the brand has also expanded beyond the region. Its presence in Bengaluru includes its first and only official store in the city, located in the 5th block of Jayanagar.
The reopening of the CB Road flagship showroom marks another milestone in the brand’s journey, bringing a renewed look to the historic establishment while preserving the legacy, trust and emotional connections it has built with generations of customers.