After a slight delay, ‘Kalaloka,’ a beautifully designed stall dedicated to showcasing and selling Karnataka’s rich heritage, is officially slated to open its doors this October at Kempegowda International Airport’s (KIA) Terminal-2. The initiative will feature six flagship state-run products alongside an impressive collection of 28 Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged items.
While the precise inauguration date is yet to be announced, the stall is anticipated to commence operations after October 15, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expected to grace the launch ceremony.
Initial Launch Postponement
The store’s opening was originally pushed back by a month, awaiting essential approvals from airport security agencies. With these clearances now secured, everything is in place for the October grand launch.
M.B. Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Scale Industries, shared that Kalaloka is envisioned as more than just a retail space; it’s a ‘cultural experience’ designed to encapsulate the very essence of Karnataka. The diverse selection will include iconic items such as Mysore Silk and Mysore Sandal Soap, alongside other exquisite products managed by the Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium. These carefully chosen products are meant to reflect the vibrant and varied cultural heritage of Karnataka, giving travelers a unique opportunity to take a piece of the state’s identity home with them.
Visitors to the Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium section will discover charming Channapatna toys and dolls, intricate sandalwood and rosewood carvings, elegant Bidriware, and distinctive Navalgund Dhurries, among other treasures.
Expanding to International Departures
Beyond the initial Terminal-2 location, plans are already in motion to establish another Kalaloka stall within the international departure lounge of the airport. While the tender process is underway and cost estimations have been completed, a definitive timeline for this expansion has not yet been set. This future outlet aims to further enhance the cultural experience for international passengers.
In anticipation of Kalaloka’s launch, Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) has unveiled an ultra-luxury soap line under the ‘Kala Loka – Treasure of Karnataka’ brand. Highlights include the Mysore Sandal ‘Millennium Super Premium Soap,’ a 150 gm marvel crafted from high-quality natural sandalwood oil, presented in exquisite premium packaging and retailing for approximately ₹3,000.
KSDL is also actively experimenting with a new jasmine oil-based soap, utilizing the rare Mysore Mallige variety, to cater to burgeoning demand in international markets such as Europe. While its inclusion in the initial Kalaloka launch is still pending, this jasmine variant is expected to join the collection soon.
International Ambitions: London Calling
The Karnataka government, working through Mysore Sales International Limited (MSIL) and KSDL, is also proactively exploring opportunities in London, leveraging the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK. Initial discussions involve showcasing Karnataka’s renowned heritage goods, particularly KSDL’s premium soaps and MSIL’s celebrated textile exports like the Mysore Silk portfolio, within upscale boutique retail environments. Officials confirm that these discussions are ongoing, with various strategies being considered for execution.
Notably, earlier this year, British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron, during her visit, suggested that products like Mysore Sandal Soap have the potential to become iconic souvenirs representing Karnataka on the global stage.