On Sunday, the Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) hosted an insightful talk on the ‘Revival of Traditional Weave: Udupi Saree’ at the Kodial Guthu Centre for Art and Culture. This event was part of the ongoing World Heritage Week celebrations, marking its sixth programme. Mamatha Rai, founder of Kadike Trust, delivered the keynote address, sharing her inspiring journey in reviving the Udupi Saree.
Mamatha, who transitioned from being a science professor to a dedicated promoter of the Udupi Saree, spoke about the challenges she faced in the early stages of this revival. “When I began, there were only 40-45 weavers left, many of whom had abandoned the craft years ago, and the younger generation had little interest in weaving,” she recalled. Through Kadike Trust’s efforts, which include research, skill development, training programs, and branding initiatives, the Udupi Saree has made a remarkable comeback.
Thanks to these holistic revival efforts, the weaving tradition has not only found a growing market but also received recognition through a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Additionally, the weavers now enjoy a steady income, with the younger generation showing increased interest in the craft. “Today, Udupi sarees are reclaiming their rightful place in our cultural heritage,” Mamatha proudly stated.
The event also saw Mamatha being felicitated for her contributions to preserving this heritage. The celebrations will conclude with a photo exhibition on ‘Kattes in Mangaluru’, which will be open daily at the Kodial Guthu Centre from 11 am to 7 pm, until November 30.
Read Also;