Bhubaneswar Gears Up For The 17th Toshali National Crafts Mela

Bhubaneswar Gears Up For The 17th Toshali National Crafts Mela

The 17th Toshali National Crafts Mela is set to kick off in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday with CM Naveen Patnaik scheduled to inaugurate the event at Janata Maidan. The fair, which provides a platform for 560 handicraft artisans and weavers from across the country, will run from 2.30 pm to 9.30 pm until February 12.

At the inaugural event, lifetime achievement awards in the handicrafts sector for 2019, 2020, and 2021 will be presented, along with the State Award for Handicrafts and Handloom sector to prominent personalities. This year’s theme pavilion will showcase “Handlooms Tradition & Trends,” featuring 150 artisans and 110 weavers from the state.

The Handloom, Textiles and Handicrafts department has emphasized that this edition of the fair will be inclusive, accessible, and sustainable, and will also cater to differently-abled and senior citizens. Educational institutions and government organizations related to the handicrafts and handloom sector will raise awareness about the skills and creativity involved in crafting these products.

In addition to showcasing the rich handicrafts and handlooms of Odisha, the fair will feature a food court offering a variety of cuisines and Odia delicacies, along with cultural programs every evening in association with the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademy and the Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture. A fashion show displaying the handloom and handicraft products of Odisha will also be held.

Last year’s mela saw a footfall of 19 lakh visitors and earnings of Rs 16.13 crore. This year, the department is aiming for 20 lakh visitors and a business of Rs 20 crore.