Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has urged its employees as well as the people of the state to wear traditional handloom attire on Thursday as part of the ongoing ‘Odia Pakhya’ celebrations.
The “Ama Poshak, Ama Parichaya” (Odia Ethnic Wear Day) programme is being organised by the state Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts department on the third day of the Odia Pakhya on Thursday. The third day of the 14-day initiative is being observed as ‘Paridhan Dibasa’ on April 3.
The aim is to promote the State’s rich textile heritage. The initiative seeks to highlight and support Odisha’s traditional handloom sector.
In a letter to Secretaries, Departmental heads, and District Collectors, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts Department, Poonam Guha Tapas Kumar, emphasised the importance of this initiative.
The letter stated the celebration would showcase Odisha’s diverse handloom tradition and encourage greater adoption of indigenous fabrics.
To further promote handloom purchases, the State-run outlets such as Boyanika, Utkalika, Amlan, and Sambalpuri Bastralaya have been offering a special discount of 20% + 10% on handloom products since April 1, 2025. This rebate will remain valid until April 14, 2025.
In a special message, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also urged people to wear handloom garments during ‘Odia Pakhya.’ He said this initiative would provide financial support to weavers, strengthen the rural economy, and also contribute to the prosperity of Odisha.
Making a strong pitch for traditional Odia attire, Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj also encouraged people across the state to embrace and promote Odisha’s handloom fabric.
Suraj said that following the call of the Chief Minister, the state is observing ‘Odia Pakhya’ from April 1 to April 14 for the first time.
The third day of the 14-day-long programme on Thursday will be observed as ‘Paridhan Dibasa’.
“This day is dedicated to the promotion of our indigenous Odia traditional attire. I request everyone to join this grand festival tomorrow by wearing our traditional clothes that embody Odia identity. Our ethnic wear, our identity,” the Minister said.
