Khadi Expo Begins in Port City

Khadi Expo Begins in Port City

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, May 24, 2014: From a symbol of the freedom struggle to a much-sought after fashion product, the rustic khadi product comes to life in the city at the “Khadi Utsav” that started in the city on Friday.

Nearly 65 stalls in all dot the utsav – selling various khadi products as well as village handicrafts and herbal powders at the fair organised by the khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB).

 

Over the past 15 years, the utsav has been held intermittently – “depending on government’s release of funds,” officials admitted – and comes to the city after a gap of two years. The expectations are high, said U. Veerappa Poojary, District Officer of KVIB, who put their sales expectations over the coming week as over Rs. 1.5 crore. “Last time around, the business touched Rs. 1.1 crore. There is demand for the products here,” he said.

And judging by the steady stream of visitors and buyers, the festival got off to a bright start.

Having had a good response last time around, U. Balakrishna from Udupi who sells khadi readymade shirts under his brand “Swadeshi Khadi” said people have started to “seek” out Khadi wear. “Youngsters are still rare, but some do hunt around for khadi products even though they are more expensive than polyester,” he said.

Surprisingly, most of the Khadi stalls are manned by producers from Kolar and Chickballapur districts on the Eastern edge of the state.