As many as 200 saris were part of the 9th edition of the Vintage Sari Contest held by Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Ltd. (KSIC) here on Wednesday. Only 28 of them were shortlisted, and while three were given the first prize, the rest got consolation prize. The sari that was manufactured way back in 1958 was one of the three saris that got the top prize.
S. Philomen Raj, General Manager (Sales, Marketing), KSIC, told The Hindu that saris manufactured before 1974 were chosen for the prize based on how well they had been maintained.
“This year, we received 200 saris of which 28 were shortlisted. Of these, three were chosen for the first prize.” The first prize comprises a purse of Rs.15,000 and a trophy, and the consolation prize winners will get gift voucher worth Rs. 1,500 each.
Roopa De, a teacher and resident of HSR Layout, was one of the first prize winners. Her green sari with maroon shade was manufactured in 1958-59. “It was my aunt’s sari that was handed down to me.”
Rekha R., who won the consolation prize, said they own eight Mysore Silk saris.
