Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday inaugurated Kalaloka, a state-run flagship store at Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2, designed to showcase and sell the state’s Geographical Indication (GI)-certified products. The initiative, led by the Department of Industries, aims to introduce Karnataka’s rich heritage and craftsmanship to international and domestic travellers arriving in Bengaluru.

Siddaramaiah inaugurated the outlet with a symbolic painting and ceremonial bell ringing, describing the event as a proud moment for Karnataka’s industrial and cultural map. “The Kalaloka store gives visitors an immediate glimpse of Karnataka’s pride and cultural essence as soon as they arrive. Through this initiative, our State’s distinguished products will receive global recognition, branding, and market reach,” the Chief Minister said in an official statement. He noted that Kempegowda Airport ranks third nationally in passenger traffic, positioning it as a key hub to promote local industries.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Industries Minister M.B. Patil, and other senior officials attended the launch. Patil said the store features iconic items such as Mysore sandal soap, sandalwood oil, incense sticks, Channapatna toys, LIDKAR leather goods, Ilkal saris, Mysore silk, Lambani garments, Bidriware, and Mysore-style paintings. In total, 45 GI-certified Karnataka products are being displayed and sold.

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Patil added that several state-run enterprises—including Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited, KSIC, the Coffee Board, Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation, and LIDKAR—have collaborated to make the project successful. “The objective is to introduce Karnataka’s traditional and geographically distinctive products to a global audience,” he said.

According to officials, 132 square meters of space in the domestic section of Terminal 2 has been allocated for the Kalaloka store, while a similar outlet measuring 140 square meters will soon open in the international departures area. Designed to reflect the state’s cultural identity, the store is expected to serve as a unique platform for connecting Karnataka’s artisans and heritage industries to a global marketplace.

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