Long queues outside Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) showrooms in Karnataka have drawn attention to the soaring demand and limited availability of authentic Mysore silk sarees, with customers lining up as early as 4 am to secure a single piece.
The sarees, priced between Rs 23,000 and Rs 2.5 lakh, are sold under strict rules, including one saree per customer and a token-based system to manage crowds. The situation has triggered widespread discussion on social media about exclusivity, supply constraints and the future of traditional silk weaving.
Demand for authentic Mysore silk outpaces supply
The renewed attention followed a post on X by defence analyst Rakesh Krishnan Simha, who highlighted the early-morning queues and the shortage of GI-tagged Mysore silk sarees produced by KSIC.
“Women queue up from 4.00 AM outside a Karnataka Soviet (sorry Silk) Industries Corporation showroom to buy silk sarees starting from Rs 23,000 and going up to Rs 250,000. Only 1 saree per customer and you need a token to be in the queue.”
KSIC holds exclusive rights to produce authentic Mysore silk sarees, a status that ensures purity and quality but also limits large-scale production. According to industry observers, the shortage has been a consistent issue throughout 2025, with no clear resolution expected in the near future.
One of the primary reasons cited is the limited number of trained weavers. Artisans undergo six to seven months of training before achieving basic proficiency, making it difficult to quickly expand production capacity. Seasonal spikes during weddings and festivals such as Varalakshmi Puja, Gowri Ganesha and Deepavali further strain supply, with stocks often selling out soon after arrival.
Social media reacts to exclusivity and long queues
The images and descriptions of long queues sparked mixed reactions online, with several users defending the demand-driven rush for premium silk sarees.
One user commented, “Had it been for a basic necessity, this comparison would still homd true. But for a silk saree? Well its a choice. People queue up for PlayStation, they queue up for Iphone, peoppe even queue up at cult reataurants, so whats so weird if they queue up for silk saree?”
Others argued that limited production helps preserve quality and authenticity. “It sounds to me that it’s better that they stay that way to ensure quality and authentic products. Maybe they could increase the workforce more a bit. That would help,” another user said.
A third comment highlighted KSIC’s non-commercial approach. “Unseen in today market. It must be very exclusive . Since it is must be semi government corporation , no greed for more growth and profits . Until someone makes an equally good and authentic product.”
KSIC’s controlled production model is also seen as a safeguard against counterfeit silk, a recurring issue in the private market. In recent years, concerns over fake or artificial silk being sold as pure Mysore silk have reinforced the value of GI-tagged sarees produced by the state-run corporation.
As demand continues to outstrip supply, Mysore silk sarees are increasingly being viewed not just as traditional attire, but as luxury heritage products whose exclusivity only adds to their appeal.