HYDERABAD: Move over, standard gold and silver bars. This Diwali, a growing number of consumers are seeking something with a story, turning towards the delicate, lace-like allure of silver filigree from Karimnagar. Despite a surge in prices, this Geographical Indication (GI) tagged craft is witnessing unprecedented demand, transforming from a local secret into a nationally coveted symbol of heritage and artistry for the festive season.
Traditionally, gold and silver dominate Diwali shopping lists. But in recent years, a growing section of buyers has been drawn to the intricate silver filigree of Karimnagar. Known for its fine, handcrafted designs, this heritage art form has found new admirers, particularly in northern India, where it is emerging as a preferred choice for gifts and festive décor.
“Traditionally, the Diwali season, especially around Dhanteras, brings a 20-25% rise in the sales of silver filigree items from Karimnagar,” Ashok Arroju, a third-generation master craftsman who founded the Silver Filigree of Karimnagar (SIFKA) Handicraft Welfare Society in 2008, tells TNIE.
“This is when many families prefer to buy silver, and lately, there’s been a growing interest in handcrafted, heritage items. Increased awareness has helped our work reach exhibitions and fairs across India, attracting not just traditional buyers but also art lovers looking for something different and timeless this festive season.”
Karimnagar’s silver filigree received its GI tag in 2008, a milestone that gave the craft both recognition and protection. The certification distinguishes it from similar work produced elsewhere, assuring buyers of its authenticity and origin. Artisans say the tag has helped market their creations at exhibitions and trade fairs, adding value to their work and appealing to consumers, corporates and government agencies alike.
“In the early 1990s, when I was finishing school, only four or five families still practised this art,” recalls Ashok. “Since then, several families have taken it up again.”
Subhajit Saha, head of legal and IPR at the Resolute Group, notes, “Geographical indications are not mere products — they are a medium to empower art and artisans, connecting customers with culture and tradition.”
Even with silver prices soaring, demand for filigree remains resilient. “In my grandfather’s time, designs were limited and mostly heavy,” says Ashok. “Now, we offer pieces priced from `1,500 to `1 lakh, catering to a wide range of customers.” From small decorative items to high-end gifts, the diversity of offerings has helped keep demand strong despite market fluctuations.
Nearly 150 families in and around Karimnagar depend on silver filigree for their livelihood, sustaining this intricate craft across generations. Artisan Venkatesh says, “We’re happy that more people are becoming aware of this traditional art. Today, most Karimnagar filigree is used as decorative items, pooja articles or corporate gifts during Diwali.”
The exquisite pieces are also chosen by government officials as souvenirs for visiting dignitaries and for gifting abroad.
Another artisan, Venu, points out that the festive season has helped cushion price shocks. “So far, the rise in silver prices hasn’t affected us much because many factories and businesses placed bulk orders three to four months in advance,” he says. “But if prices continue to climb after Diwali, demand might slow down. We may then have to shift to lighter designs, as customers could become more price-sensitive and avoid heavier, costlier pieces.”
