![[ L to R ]Mr. Rohan Ganapathy, Co-Chairman, CII National Committee on Space; Mr. Mallavarapu Apparao, Chairman, CII National Committee on Space; Ms. Jaya Choraria, Deputy Trade Commissioner for South Asia, UK; H.E. Mr. Antonio Bartoli, Ambassador of Italy to India; Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe; Dr V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space; Chairman, Space Commission; and Chairman, ISRO; Mr. Shashwat Goenka, Vice President, CII; H.E. Mr. Philip Green OAM, High Commissioner of Australia to India; Mr. ISHII Yasuo, Senior Vice President, JAXA; Mr. Radha Krishnan A, Chairman and Managing Director, NSIL](https://24x7newsworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-08-at-20-52-52-DSC_6125.JPG-JPEG-Image-6048-×-4024-pixels-—-Scaled-14_-360x180.avif){kind=tracking}
- An exquisite pavilion celebrating the state’s rich craft, culture and heritage opens at Terminal 2
Bengaluru, November 11, 2025: Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka, today inaugurated the Kala Loka Pavilion – Treasures of Karnataka at the Domestic Bay of Terminal 2, Kempegowda International Airport (BIAL), Bengaluru, in the august presence of Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D.K. Shivakumar, Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development Karnataka, M.B. Patil, Minister of Energy, Karnataka, K. J. George, Minister for IT/BT Minister Karnataka, Priyank Kharge, Minister of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer affairs, Karnataka, KH Muniyappa and Minister for Small Scale Industries and Public Enterprises Karnataka, Sharanabasappa Darshanapur.Senior representatives from key government departments, boards, and corporations associated with the initiative also graced the occasion, marking a milestone in Karnataka’s efforts to celebrate and promote its timeless cultural heritage.
Conceived by the Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Karnataka, the Kala Loka Pavilion embodies the vision to revive, reinvent, and re-present Karnataka’s rich crafts heritage by engaging and exciting the modern aesthetic and imagination. It aims to spotlight the state’s unique traditions and techniques, raise skilling standards, and create meaningful opportunities for the artisan communities that have nurtured these crafts for generations.
Spread across 132 sq. meters, the Pavilion showcases the finest Geographical Indication (GI) tagged and heritage products from Karnataka, curated from legacy institutions including Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation (KSHDCL) (Cauvery), Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd. (KS&DL), Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC), Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation (KHDC), Dr. Babu Jagajeevan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation (LIDKAR), and GI tagged specialty coffees Coffee Board. Visitors can explore an eclectic collection that ranges from Mysore Silk Sarees, Ilkal Sarees, Bidriware, Mysore Rosewood Inlay, Channapatna Toys, Sandalwood artefacts, to fine leather products, and an exclusive Coffee Bay serving freshly brewed varieties of Karnataka’s world-renowned GI-tagged coffees.
Speaking at the inauguration, Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka, said,“Kala Loka stands as a living testament to Karnataka’s vibrant legacy and its people’s unmatched craftsmanship. By situating this Pavilion in our state’s gateway – the Bengaluru Airport – we are offering travellers a window into Karnataka’s cultural richness and creative spirit. It also reinforces our government’s commitment to nurturing artisan communities and promoting local enterprise on a global stage.”
D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, added, “Karnataka is a treasure trove of art, culture and innovation. The Kala Loka Pavilion beautifully bridges tradition with modernity, ensuring that our crafts and artisans find a global audience. Every traveller who visits this space will carry a piece of Karnataka with them.”
M.B. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, said, “This initiative perfectly aligns with our vision to strengthen Karnataka’s creative economy by promoting local products that are globally admired. Kala Loka is not just a store — it is a movement to revive, reinvent, and re-present our heritage for the contemporary world. A similar Pavilion will soon be inaugurated in the International Bay of Terminal 2, taking Karnataka’s story to the world.”
Hari Marar, MD & CEO At Bangalore International Airport Ltd said, “We have always believed that an airport should be more than a point of transit — it should be an experience that reflects the spirit of the region it represents. The launch of Kala Loka at Terminal 2 is a proud moment for us. It brings to life the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of Karnataka. This is yet another step in transforming BLR Airport into a destination that is globally admired and deeply rooted in local identity.”
With 45 GI-tagged products and a pioneering Geographical Indications Policy (2019), Karnataka continues to lead the nation in preserving and promoting regional crafts. Kala Loka is a reflection of this progressive vision — celebrating the continuity of craft, empowering artisans, and cultivating pride among locals and visitors alike.
Kala Loka: Treasures of Karnataka is more than a retail space — it is a confluence of heritage, design, and innovation that honours the timeless spirit of Karnataka’s craftsmanship.
