Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SHS)
Mangalore, May 24: Khadi Utsav (fest) that was inaugurated on Friday May 23 in the city is mainly aimed at bringing both the producers and consumers under one roof. The Karnataka State Khadi and Rural Employment Board (KSKREB) is expecting a business that would cross Rs 2 crore at the end of sale.
The exhibition and sale of khadi and desi products was inaugurated by the mayor of Mangalore, Mahabala Marla at Bharateeya Vidhyabhavana. The exhibition which will remain in the city till June 1 is organized by KSKREB in consortium with the khadi rural employment commission and commerce and industry department, Bangalore.
In the previous year, the sales was estimated to Rs 1.10 crore. The prime interest of the fest is to operate the business without the involvement of middlemen in the market thus yielding maximum benefits to both producers and customers. The handloom producers from across the state have arrived with anticipation of good business in Mangalore.
The fest accommodates diverse handloom products prepared by economically backward sections. There are also some home made products such as fruit juice essence, snacks and others. Sarees, bags, wooden show pieces are the major highlights of the exhibition.
Addressing a formal function that was scheduled after the inauguration, Marla said that the less felt participation of people in the programmes which promote Indian culture shackled him; the Indian culture sadly had been moving into oblivion due to the strong influence of the western culture.
He urged the people to visit the place to purchase Khadi clothes and desi products.
"This is made by the Indians; the residents of Mangalore should support their effort by purchasing the materials," he added.