Bhubaneswar: The 19th Toshali National Crafts Mela is all set to begin at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, showcasing Odisha’s rich art and culture.
The annual fair, to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, will continue till March 31. Over 650 stalls have been set up, featuring a wide range of handicrafts, handlooms, and traditional Odia cuisines.
Officials said that artisans, weavers, from all over the country will participate in this Crafts Mela & exhibit their traditional and contemporary handicraft and handloom products.
This year the “Theme Pavilion” of the Mela will showcase the “Shilpa Srujani” which will be constructed over an area of 2500 Sq.ft. More than 700 Artisans and weavers from across the country will participate in the mela.
There will be more than 650 stalls, out of which 150 Handicrafts artisans from different parts of the Country will be sponsored by DC (Handicrafts) under National Handcrafts Fair Scheme.
Similarly, 50 weavers from different parts of the Country will be sponsored by DC (Handlooms). A total of 250 Artisans and 110 Weavers of the State will be sponsored by Directorate of Handicrafts, Odisha and Directorate of Textiles and Handlooms, Odisha respectively.
This apart, educational institutes and government organisations related to handicrafts and handlooms sector of the State / India will also participate in the event for awareness of the visitors. Apex Handicrafts Corporations of other States will also participate in the mela to showcase the rich handicrafts and handlooms of that State.
This year, a food court having 35 food stalls will offer delicious multi-cuisine foodstuffs to the visitors along with traditional Odia cuisine through exclusive hotels and restaurants.
Fire brigade, Security, Civil Defence, First Aid Service, Ambulance, drinking water, toilets, ATM Counters will be available at the mela premises.
The mela will host cultural programmes each evening between 6 pm to 9 pm, inviting eminent artists and troupes from different parts of the country as well as the State. The Cultural Programme will be arranged in association with Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademy, Department of Culture., Govt of Odisha. A fashion show will be organized showcasing rich handloom / handicraft products of our State.