Archive · 20 Jan 2026
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.
- When
- The event occurred recently, with people queuing up as early as 4:00 AM.
- Where
- The scene took place outside the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) showroom on Kempegowda Road, Bengaluru.
- 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.
- 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
Sources
Video: People Queue Up At 4 AM To Get Their Hands On Mysore Silk Sarees
Bengaluru shoppers line up at 4 am for Mysore silk sarees: ‘Michael Kors & Gucci’s need to learn’
Women queue from dawn for GI-tagged Mysuru silk saris in Bengaluru
Rs 2.5 lakh price tag, no sleep: Inside the 4 AM craze for Karnataka’s Mysore silk sarees
