The Kalaloka Initiative: Karnataka’s Cultural Showcase at Bengaluru Airport
The Kalaloka Initiative: Karnataka’s Cultural Showcase at Bengaluru Airport
A Government of Karnataka & KHDC Collaboration Empowering Handloom Weavers and Artisans
Introduction: Kalaloka – Karnataka’s Gateway to Heritage and Handloom Excellence
The Government of Karnataka (GoK) has launched “Kalaloka”, an innovative initiative showcasing the state’s vibrant handloom, handicraft, and GI-tagged heritage products. In collaboration with the Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation Ltd. (KHDC) and other state enterprises, Kalaloka presents a premium retail experience that celebrates the artistry of Karnataka’s traditional weavers and artisans.
Located at the Kempegowda International Airport (Terminal 2), Bengaluru, the first Kalaloka store offers travelers an immersive journey into the cultural soul of Karnataka through authentic, sustainable, and beautifully curated products.
Vision and Purpose of the Kalaloka Initiative
The name “Kalaloka” — meaning “World of Art” — reflects the initiative’s mission: to create a global platform for Karnataka’s traditional crafts while empowering rural artisans.
Key Objectives:
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Promote Karnataka’s handloom and handicraft heritage in modern retail spaces.
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Provide fair market access and visibility to rural artisans and weavers.
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Strengthen the state’s cultural economy through premium branding.
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Highlight sustainability, authenticity, and GI protection in local crafts.
Kalaloka is more than a store — it is a living cultural gallery, combining design, storytelling, and craftsmanship under one vibrant Karnataka identity.
Design, Implementation, and Location
The Kalaloka store at Bengaluru Airport Terminal 2 spans 130 square meters and is designed using eco-friendly materials inspired by Karnataka’s traditional architecture and nature.
The store showcases over 30 categories of products, featuring:
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GI-tagged crafts: Mysore Silk, Channapatna Toys, Ilkal Sarees, Bidriware, Kinhal Toys.
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State PSU brands: KHDC (handlooms), KSDL (Mysore Sandal), LIDKAR (leather), and Cauvery Emporium (handicrafts).
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Modern craft displays with digital storytelling and live artisan demonstrations.
The Bengaluru International Airport Ltd. (BIAL) partnered with the state government by offering rental concessions to promote Kalaloka as a model of cultural entrepreneurship and sustainable tourism.
KHDC’s Role in Kalaloka: Empowering Karnataka’s Weavers
The Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation Ltd. (KHDC), headquartered in Hubballi, plays a pivotal role in Kalaloka. It curates and supplies authentic, GI-tagged handloom products from Karnataka’s renowned weaving clusters.
Key KHDC Products and Craft Locations:
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Mysore Silk Sarees (Mysuru) – Luxury mulberry silk sarees with gold zari, Silk Mark certified.
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Ilkal Sarees (Bagalkot) – GI-tagged handlooms featuring the distinctive tope teni border.
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Molakalmuru Silk Sarees (Chitradurga) – Exquisite temple-motif weaves recognized for their elegance.
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Kasuti Embroidery (Dharwad, Gadag & Uttara Kannada) – Heritage embroidery from North Karnataka.
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Cotton Handlooms & Home Linen (Guledgudd, Bettadapura, Gadag) – Sustainable, naturally dyed textiles.
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Priyadarshini Handlooms Collection (Hubballi) – KHDC’s flagship label offering certified handloom apparel and accessories.
KHDC ensures authenticity, quality, and weaver participation through certified sourcing (Handloom Mark and Silk Mark), modern packaging, and fair trade practices.
This collaboration connects Karnataka’s rural artisans to international travelers, transforming traditional craftsmanship into global heritage commerce.
Key Highlights of Kalaloka Karnataka
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Unified Karnataka Brand Identity
Kalaloka brings together all major state enterprises under one brand, offering a cohesive experience of Karnataka’s heritage. -
Promotion of GI-Tagged Products
The platform features over 28 Geographical Indication (GI) items, protecting craftsmanship while promoting authenticity. -
Artisan & Weaver Empowerment
Through KHDC’s involvement, thousands of artisans gain better income stability, skill exposure, and access to modern markets. -
Sustainability & Design Innovation
Eco-friendly dyes, natural fibers, and recyclable packaging underline Karnataka’s commitment to responsible production. -
Cultural Tourism Boost
By situating Kalaloka at Bengaluru International Airport, the initiative turns every traveller’s visit into a cultural experience — positioning Karnataka as India’s craft and design destination.
Future Plans and Expansion
The Government of Karnataka plans to replicate the Kalaloka model across major airports and tourist hubs in:
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Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Hubballi.
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Establish design incubation and innovation centres in collaboration with KHDC and NIFT Bengaluru.
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Develop e-commerce integration to promote Karnataka’s crafts globally.
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Launch digital storytelling campaigns showcasing artisans, clusters, and heritage origins.
Conclusion: Kalaloka – Where Tradition Meets Global Opportunity
The Kalaloka initiative by the Government of Karnataka and KHDC demonstrates how traditional craftsmanship can evolve into a modern, sustainable, and profitable industry. By uniting artisans, design innovation, and state support, Kalaloka turns heritage into opportunity — ensuring that every weave, toy, or artwork carries Karnataka’s timeless legacy to the world.
It is not just a retail venture, but a movement that celebrates Karnataka’s identity, uplifts rural livelihoods, and builds a bridge between art, economy, and global culture.
About KHDC
The Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation Ltd. (KHDC), established in 1975 and headquartered in Hubballi, works to promote, protect, and market Karnataka’s handloom products. Through initiatives like Priyadarshini Handlooms and Kalaloka, KHDC connects thousands of rural weavers with new markets while preserving the authenticity of traditional crafts.
Keywords:
Kalaloka Karnataka, KHDC, Karnataka Handloom, Kalaloka Bengaluru Airport, Karnataka GI products, Karnataka Government initiative, Priyadarshini Handlooms, Ilkal Sarees, Mysore Silk, Kasuti Embroidery, Karnataka crafts and artisans, Hubballi KHDC, Karnataka tourism crafts, KSDL, Cauvery Emporium, LIDKAR.