Maniabandha In Odisha’s Cuttack Wins ‘Best Tourism Village Of India 2024’ Award

Bhubaneswar: Maniabandha under Badamba tehsil in Odisha’s Cuttack district was awarded the ‘Best Tourism Village of India 2024’ in the Craft category by Ministry of Tourism, on the occasion of World Tourism Day on Friday.

Terming it as a proud moment for the state, Odisha Tourism shared pictures of the award ceremony.

Maniabandha is a village of weavers where families have been engaged in weaving Odisha Ikat handloom for generations. This award is being seen as a testament to the remarkable heritage and skill of the artisans of the village, renowned for its exquisite textiles, particularly the famed Maniabandha Pata Sarees. A GI tag application for Maniabandhi Saree has been submitted and it is in the pre-examination stage.

Maniabandha also stands as a beacon for rural tourism with its vibrant tapestry of cultural heritage rooted in a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist influences.

The Best Tourism Villages Competition was introduced in 2023 to recognise villages that preserve and promote cultural and natural assets while focusing on sustainability. This year, the competition saw 991 villages from 30 states and Union Territories participate, with 36 villages winning in different categories.