12th Toshali National Crafts Mela To Kick Off From Dec 15

12th Toshali National Crafts Mela To Kick Off From Dec 15

Around 350 artisans, weavers, painters and sculptors from different states of the country will exhibit their traditional handicrafts and handlooms products during the much awaited 12th Toshali National Crafts Mela which is scheduled to start from December 15.

The 12 day-mela is being organised by Handlooms, Textiles and Handicraft Department of Odisha at Janta Maidan. This year, there will be 350 handicraft and handloom stalls. Like every year, there will be 30 stalls, set up by different hotels and restaurants which will offer an array of mouth-watering and delicious food to the visitors along with traditional Odia cuisine. Around Rs 2.91 crore is being invested by the department for the mega event.

The mela will also host various cultural programmes every evening wherein eminent artists and troupes from different parts of the country as well as the state would participate. Renowned Bollywood singer Javed Ali will be the major attraction on December 24 as he will perform live with his troupe.

Like every year, this time too, a fashion show on handloom wear will be organised by Boyanika with support from NIFT. This year, the theme pavilion is based on ‘Prakruti’ (nature). The centrally erected theme pavilion will reflect the use of natural fibres in the making of handloom and handicraft products, which will also depict various forms of nature.

Talking about the expectations from the mela, Handloom, Textile and Handicrafts Minister Snehangini Chhuria said, “Last year, demonetisation had affected the business due to which there was a footfall of around 16 lakh people and Rs. 15.60 crore business target was achieved. But this year, we are expecting around 20 lakh people and products worth Rs. 20 crore should be sold.”

During the mela, Lifetime Achievement Award and State Handicraft Award for the year 2016 will be given to eminent handicraft artisans.