BELAGAVI: Sevakart, a not-for-profit organisation, is promoting jewellery made of cow dung. The ornaments are produced by women attached to the Banashankari Gau Anusandhan Kendra.
Sevakart, in its first-of-a-kind mission, is selling necklaces and earrings made of cow dung at an exhibition in Belagavi city from March 8-14.
Jewellery is seldom made from such organic material.
Vidhya Havanur, the manager of the Sevakart, told TOI that the Banashankari Gau Anusandhan Kendra has hired several women to make various types of products using cow dung. One among these is ornaments.
Explaining the making process, Havanur said after drying the dung, the women remove grass and other material from it. Later, it is ground into a powder, with which clay is formed and set into moulds. After this, the piece of ornament is painted to enhance its beauty, she said.
Necklaces of varying designs cost anywhere between Rs 300 and Rs 400, while earrings range from Rs 30-50. While some visitors at the exhibition appreciated the designs and uniqueness, some were hesitant to buy them. Vidya said a new product like this one would take time to catch on.
Vidya said: "These pieces of jewellery are unique, economical and innovative. Wearing such ornaments simply showcases the rich heritage of our culture. Usually, people think these ornaments will emanate some smell, but they will not. More important, it will not cause any irritation," she said.
