Mangaluru: Dressed in silk saris, adorned with jasmine flowers and decked up to resemble Goddess Sharada, little girls are becoming the stars of festive photo shoots in coastal Karnataka. The trend has gained popularity in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi in recent years, with the traditional Sharada Jalli hairstyle emerging as a key attraction.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.According to Shraddha Ashwin Prabhu of Glam by Shraddha Ashwin, Sharada Jalli has deep roots in the Gowd Saraswat Brahmin community. 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.Brides wear Sharada Jalli during Phool Mudhi, a traditional pre-wedding ritual in GSB weddings, while women also opt for it for milestone celebrations such as 60th birthdays and golden wedding anniversaries.“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 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 costs range from Rs 6,000 for children to Rs 10,000 for adults, excluding flowers, Shraddha said.She has limited bookings as she travels to Uchila daily with two friends to adorn the Navadurgas at the temple. “I consider this a service to the goddess,” she said.Chetana Salian of Chetana’s Beauty Lounge said she mainly receives children aged 10-13 for festive photo shoots. Styling takes three to four hours and requires five to nine attes of jasmine. Her packages, including makeup and jewellery, cost Rs 5,000-Rs 7,000 on average, while clients bring their own sari.
