Vocal for local: Shobha Karandlaje gifts Udupi sarees to Nirmala Sitharaman, other personalities

Udupi: Being one of the most popular and biggest festivals celebrated in India, Diwali always brings excitement and a lot of hope. Deepavali celebrations are incomplete without exchanging gifts for many Indian families. Some consider gifting during Deepavali as a ritual, while for others it is a way to express love.

Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje too expressed her love towards several women leaders at the centre including minister Nirmala Sitharaman by presenting they some unique gifts.

Shobha had procured saris made at handlooms of Udupi and gifted them to the national level leaders including Nirmala Sitharaman, Smriti Irani, Maneka Gandhi, Shefali Vaidya, Debashree, Meenakshi Lekhi, Vanathi, and DMK leader Kanimozhi.

Along with the saree, Karandlaje also sent a letter mentioning the speciality of Udupi sarees, made by the weavers of coastal Karnataka. She also mentioned that due to Covid-19, it has badly affected their business.

As per Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar call, it is essential to buy from locals, the note said.

Udupi sarees which have the Geographical Indication (GI) tag , were recognised in 2016. They are much sought after for their light weight and flexibility. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee used to prefer these sarees.

Prior to independence, Udupi sarees were also part of the Swaraj movement. They are hand-woven and their speciality is that the pallu and borders are bright.