The maroon hand-woven “Ilkal” silk saree with traditional “Kasuti” pattern that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman wore when presenting the Union Budget on Wednesday is from the Dharwad region of Karnataka. Sitharaman is a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka.
Traditional folk embroidery known as kasuti is considered to be unique to the Dharwad region and carries a geographical indication (GI) marking.The needlework on the hand-made kasuti work typically depicts chariots, elephants, temple “gopura,” peacocks, deer, and lotuses.
The one the Finance Minister wore allegedly included artwork depicting chariots, peacocks, and lotuses.’Arathi Crafts’ created the heavy silk saree worn by Nirmala Sitharaman.
