7 months ago
Long Queues for Mysore Silk Sarees
A lot of people were waiting in line very early in the morning to buy special silk sarees called Mysore silk sarees.
These sarees are very popular and expensive, costing between ₹23,000 and ₹3 lakh.
The people had to wait for hours, and some even arrived at 4:00 AM.
The store had to use a token system to manage the crowd and limit each person to buying just one saree.
The sarees are made by a special company called KSIC, which is the only one allowed to make them.
It takes a long time to train the people who make these sarees, which is why there aren't enough of them to meet the demand.
Many women love these sarees because they are beautiful and high-quality, making them worth the long wait.
Some people think the high prices and limited supply make the sarees hard to get, while others believe the exclusivity ensures the sarees remain special and authentic.
Hundreds of people queued up as early as 4:00 AM outside the KSIC showroom to buy Mysore silk sarees.
The sarees are priced between ₹23,000 and ₹3 lakh, with a purchase limit of one saree per customer.
KSIC implemented a token system to manage the overwhelming demand and ensure fair access.
The high demand is due to a significant supply shortage, as KSIC holds the exclusive Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Mysore silk.
The production process is slow and meticulous, involving a limited workforce and rigorous training for artisans.
- Who
- Hundreds of people, primarily women, queued up outside the KSIC showroom.
- What
- People were lining up to buy Mysore silk sarees.
- Where
- The scene took place outside the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) showroom on Kempegowda Road, Bengaluru.
- When
- The event occurred recently, with people queuing up as early as 4:00 AM.
- Why
- The high demand and limited supply of Mysore silk sarees, coupled with their cultural significance, led to the massive crowds.
Supply Constraints and Exclusivity
Quality and Authenticity
Production Capacity
Supply Constraints and Exclusivity
The limited number of trained weavers and the lengthy training process hinder the ability to meet high demand.
Quality and Authenticity
The controlled production ensures high quality and authenticity, preserving the heritage of Mysore silk.
Pricing and Accessibility
Supply Constraints and Exclusivity
The high prices and limited availability make the sarees inaccessible to many potential buyers.
Quality and Authenticity
The exclusivity and premium pricing reflect the superior quality and craftsmanship of the sarees.
Market Dynamics
Supply Constraints and Exclusivity
Increasing demand and seasonal spikes exacerbate supply shortages, leading to long queues and frustration.
Quality and Authenticity
The limited supply helps maintain the sarees' status as luxury heritage products, enhancing their appeal.
Key facts
- Showroom
- Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC)
- Price Range
- ₹23,000 to ₹3 lakh
- Purchase Limit
- One saree per customer
- Entry System
- Token-based
- Production Time
- 6 to 7 months to train a new artisan
- GI Tag Holder
- KSIC
- Weekly Stock
- Around 50-60 saris on Saturdays
- Authenticity Features
- Unique code and hologram on each sari
Timeline
Mangalya Mall's Hyderabad branch shut, sparking silk store expansion.
Sri Radha Krishna Silk Palace opens third store, boosting Mysore silk saree reach.
Kukatpally store fuels Mysore silk saree craze, demand soars.
Hundreds camp overnight for ₹23K-₹3L Mysore silk sarees.
Quotes
Social media user
Anonymous social media user
“Had it been for a basic necessity, this comparison would still hold true. But for a silk saree? Well its a choice. People queue up for PlayStation, they queue up for Iphone, people even queue up at cult restaurants, so whats so weird if they queue up for silk saree?”
financialexpress.com
“Unseen in today market. It must be very exclusive. Since it is must be semi government corporation, no greed for more growth and profits. Until someone makes an equally good and authentic product.”
financialexpress.com
Rakesh Krishnan Simha
Defence analyst
“Women queue up from 4.00 AM outside a Karnataka Soviet (sorry Silk) Industries Corporation showroom to buy silk sarees starting from Rs 23,000 and going up to Rs 250,000. Only 1 saree per customer and you need a token to be in the queue.”
financialexpress.com
“KSIC holds the official production and GI-tagged rights for pure Mysuru silk.”
theprint.in
KSIC official
A representative of the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation
“KSIC is the only organisation in the country overseeing the entire silk production process—from reeling cocoons to weaving silk fabrics of various shades and designs—all under one roof. We use only high-quality natural silk and 100 per cent pure gold zari.”
theprint.in
“Barring a few high-priced ones, the rest were sold out.”
theprint.in
Sources
Bengaluru shoppers line up at 4 am for Mysore silk sarees: ‘Michael Kors & Gucci’s need to learn’
Video: People Queue Up At 4 AM To Get Their Hands On Mysore Silk Sarees
Bengaluru Women’s 4 AM Queue for Silk Sarees Sparks Debate: ‘They Wait for iPhones, So What’s Weird?’
Rs 2.5 lakh price tag, no sleep: Inside the 4 AM craze for Karnataka’s Mysore silk sarees
