Mysuru: Sales of authentic ISI-marked Khadi National flags have dipped noticeably in Mysuru ahead of the 80th Independence Day, with Khadi India outlets reporting a subdued response compared to previous years.

The Khadi India outlets on Dhanvanthri Road and near Ballal Circle have witnessed a subdued response, with the Dhanvanthri Road showroom selling only 70 official flags till yesterday evening.

Of the flags sold, 50 were of the 2×3 ft. size, priced at Rs. 1,240 each, while 10 flags each of the 3×4.5 ft. and 4×6 ft. sizes, priced at Rs. 2,300 and Rs. 3,300 respectively, were sold.

Staff attributed the fall in sales to a combination of factors, including poor demand from urban and rural local bodies and competition from cheaper nylon and other synthetic cloth flags.

According to Rajappa, a staff at Dhanvantri Road outlet, Gram Panchayats and other rural local bodies, which have traditionally been bulk purchasers of Khadi National flags, have largely stayed away from purchases this year. Ongoing rainfall and financial constraints are said to have affected their demand.

At the same time, private buyers are increasingly turning to cheaper nylon and synthetic flags. In markets around Santhepet, such flags are available for Rs. 100 to Rs. 300 and are popular for vehicle displays and one-day events.

While Government offices, public schools and institutions are required to hoist ISI-marked Khadi National flags, private buyers often prefer the cheaper alternatives, sellers said.

Local merchants have also diversified their Independence Day offerings to attract customers. Instead of relying solely on National flags, many shops are giving greater prominence to festive tricolour clothing, traditional attire, decorated churidars, children’s event wear and other tricolour-themed decorative items.