Weavers in Dakshina Kannada make naturally dyed Udupi Sarees using Arecanut

In a move towards eco-friendly practices, the Talipady Primary Weavers’ Service Cooperative Society Ltd. in Kinnigoli, Dakshina Kannada, is embracing the art of naturally dyeing clothes.

The society’s focus on Udupi sarees promotes the utilization of natural sources.

The sarees are dyed using processed wild almond tree leaves and the root of manjistha, a traditional medicinal plant. The journey of Udupi sarees and natural dyeing started in 2018 when the Kadike Trust initiated the effort. Dyeing courses were meticulously conducted to equip the artisans with the skills needed for this unique endeavor. Notably, Mamies School House of Natural Dye Education in Canada extended scholarships to the Kadike Trust, bolstering their natural dye education efforts.



This cooperative society operates under the guidance of the non-governmental organization Kadike Trust and specializes in producing Udupi sarees using areca nut chogaru as a natural dye. Arecanut chogaru is a liquid extracted from heated arecanut nuts, lending a distinct natural hue to the sarees.

Mamatha Rai, President of the Kadike Trust, explains that these Udupi sarees not only align with eco-friendliness but also provide improved remuneration for the weavers involved in their creation.

Natural dyes are biodegradable, non-toxic, and non-allergic to human skin.

Natural dyes are dyes or colorants that are made from animals, plants, or minerals.

This initiative reflects a shift towards sustainable and environmentally-conscious fashion.

By incorporating arecanut chogaru and other natural elements into the dyeing process, the Talipady Primary Weavers’ Service Cooperative Society is tapping into age-old techniques that prioritize both quality and ethics.