Prices of Kanchipuram saris likely to be hiked

For those women who like to drape themselves in Kanchipuram silk saris, here’s some bad news. As prices of raw silk and silver have shot up, sellers of Kanchipuram saris are contemplating hike prices. Rm K Sivakumar, Owner of RmKV Silks anticipates a minimum 15 per cent increase as they are unable to keep prices at current level. In fact, weavers of the temple town have already told traders about the imminent price hike. The Kanchipuram sari, like Champagne, is protected by a `geographical indication'-no other place can claim to produce a Kanchipuram and it is a must at every south Indian wedding. It is also among the costliest silks because a lot of silver goes into making its zari (brocade) patterns and borders.

Silver prices have risen by 29 per cent in the last one year. The brocade thread contains 52 per cent silver, a bit of gold and cheaper metals like copper and aluminium. Each wedding sari requires at least 2 marc (a weavers' measure roughly equal to 242g). While the weavers want raise in the prices with immediate effect, retailers are worried as sales have been slow for the past few months. Since the period between July 15 and August 15 is considered inauspicious for wedding purchases in the South, the price rise of the variety will probably be effected in August.