Namma Karnataka is one of the most beautiful states in India, which is filled with nature, tradition and culture! This is the land of many Traditional textile weaves!

The Rich cultural heritage of Karnataka gives it a chance to host multiple cultures from north to south which are extremely diverse. To give an ode to the textiles of this karunadu it dates back to the 8th Century.

Some of the most popular weaves from the region are llkal Sarees, Mysore Silk Sarees, Udupi Cotton Sarees, Molkalmuru sarees, Guledgudd Khun, Patteda Anchu, while Kasuti and Sandur Lambani Embroidery are crafts that have their base in Karnataka.

The ILLKAL SAREE are famous from the Northern region of Karnataka and are traditionally worn in the district of Dharwad. The Ilkal saree gets its name from Ilkal, a town in Bagalkot, which has been a weaving centre since the 8th century AD. What sets the Ilkal saree apart from others is that the body and the pallu are weaved separately. The body warp is then joined with the pallu warp in a series of loops in a technique called Topi Teni, which is exclusively practised in Ilkal.

On the other hand, there is the world Famous MYSORE SILK SAREE which is one of the most expensive sarees, as it is made from 100% pure silk and the zari contains 65% pure silver and 0.65% gold. Mysore silk is renowned for its quality, lustre and elegance. Mysore silk as well as the saree are only produced by Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Ltd (KSIC), which holds the patent for its production.

A unique fashion show that aims to preserve and promote our traditional weaves of Karnataka is being organized in Dharwad this weekend.

The Santosh Lad Foundation is bringing to the Peda Nagari a unique cultural festival on 3rd September 2023, the highlight of which will be a fashion show featuring Miss India Contestants styled by Fashion Guru Prasad Bidappa. Envisioned by Minister for Labour Shri Santosh Lad, this is an effort he says to bridge tradition with fashion, our past with our present in a way that our youth know what it means to be Indian. “Karnataka is truly one state of many worlds. Even in the realm of textiles, we have so many wonderful weaves which need to be highlighted and that is what we intend to do with this unique fashion show. Our traditional weaves like Ilkal, Molakalmuru, and Mysuru Silk will be seen on the ramp so our gen next can take to sporting them with pride.”

But this is just one part of the mega event that will also see many ie… The Foundation will be felicitating CM Siddharamaiah for his exemplary effort of having provided the poor people of Karnataka with Rs 60,000 crore worth of aid through the 5 GUARANTEE schemes. A special laser show and a cultural programme have been organized to honour and celebrate this magnanimous effort led by the Chief Minister. 

Along with this, various army veterans and achievers from various fields in the region will be honoured at the KCD Stadium where this cultural festival is being organized. This will be followed by a musical programme led by renowned singer MD Pallavi and Indian Idol sensation Salman Ali. A short play directed by well-known cine-lyricist V Nagendra Prasad will also be staged. 

“The entire venue and its surroundings will turn festive and we invite all to be a part of this celebration of freedom, brotherhood and harmony in large numbers. All roads should lead to KSD grounds this Saturday” said The President of Santosh Lad Foundation.

This seems like one of the most awaited extravagant events happening in Dharwad which is an ode to our very own Karnataka’s land of Ilkal Sarees and Peda!

Apart From this, the foundation has done a lot to help people, especially by giving free Tailoring machines to women of Karnatka