Abhiksha, 5, dressed as Goddess Sharada, in Mangaluru
Temples such as Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Kshetra and Shree Mahalakshmi Temple, Shree Kshetra, Uchila, organise competitions featuring children dressed as Sharada, while many parents opt for elaborate makeovers and professional photo shoots.
Styling costs range from Rs 6,000 for children to Rs 10,000 for adults, excluding flowers, Shraddha said. Chetana Salian of Chetana’s Beauty Lounge said she mainly receives children aged 10-13 for festive photo shoots. Her packages, including makeup and jewellery, cost Rs 5,000-Rs 7,000 on average, while clients bring their own sari.
Sharada Jalli has deep roots in the Gowd Saraswat Brahmin community, according to Shraddha Ashwin Prabhu of Glam by Shraddha Ashwin. “In recent years, the trend has caught on across communities, with parents wanting their children to dress up as Sharada during Dasara ,” said Shraddha, who has been creating these looks for 10-12 years. The intricate floral hairstyle, traditionally associated with Goddess Sharada idols, uses strands of jasmine, particularly Udupi Mallige, though Mangaluru Mallige and Bhatkal Mallige are also used. The styling takes at least two-and-a-half hours. Ready-to-wear Sharada Jalli has made the look easier for younger children and also allows little boys to be dressed as Sharada. A child may need four to five attes of jasmine, with each atte containing four chendus, while an adult may require around eight attes. Styling takes three to four hours and requires five to nine attes of jasmine.