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Following a delay of over a month, Kalaloka, an aesthetically designed stall that will showcase and sell six products representing Karnataka’s heritage, along with 28 Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products, is now slated for inauguration at the Kempegowda International Airport’s (KIA) Terminal-2 in October. While the exact dates are not confirmed, the stall is expected to open after October 15, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to preside over the launch, sources told The Hindu. Delayed by a month Sources added that the store’s setup was delayed by a month due to pending approval from airport security agencies, but now everything is in place, and it is set to be launched in October. “Kalaloka is envisioned as a cultural experience that captures the essence of Karnataka. The stall will feature six flagship state-run products alongside 28 GI-tagged items. Among the products to be showcased are Mysore Silk, Mysore Sandal Soap, among other products under Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium. These products represent the diverse and rich cultural tapestry of Karnataka to provide travellers with an opportunity to take home a piece of the state’s heritage,” M.B. Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Scale Industries, said. The products from Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium will include Channapatna toys and dolls, sandalwood and rosewood carvings, Bidriware, Navalgund Dhurries, among others. At international lounge In addition to the Terminal-2 outlet, plans are also under way to establish another Kalaloka stall at the international departure lounge of the airport. While tenders are being prepared and cost estimates have been drawn, a formal timeline for this expansion has not been confirmed. This additional outlet aims to cater to international travellers, officials said. For the Kalaloka stall, Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) has also introduced an ultra-luxury soap line under the “Kala Loka – Treasure of Karnataka” label. The Mysore Sandal “Millennium Super Premium Soap”, weighing 150 gm and priced at around ₹3,000, is made from high-quality natural sandalwood oil and features premium packaging. Additionally, KSDL is conducting trials of a jasmine oil–based soap, made from the rare Mysore Mallige variety, to cater to demand in markets like Europe. While it is unclear whether this jasmine variant will be part of the initial Kalaloka launch, it will, however, be added to this collection. Plans in London The Karnataka government, through Mysore Sales International Limited (MSIL) and KSDL, is also exploring opportunities in London under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Officials are reportedly planning to showcase Karnataka’s heritage goods, particularly KSDL’s premium soaps and MSIL’s textile exports, such as the Mysore Silk portfolio, in boutique retail settings. The officials told The Hindu that discussions are going on, and currently they are looking at various ideas and ways to execute them. Earlier this year, British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron, during her recent visit, had suggested that products such as Mysore Sandal Soap could become souvenir staples representing Karnataka abroad.
