Surajkund/Bhubaneswar: Odisha, proudly designated as the Theme State at the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2025, celebrated its rich cultural heritage with a spectacular inauguration ceremony.
The Odisha Pavilion, meticulously curated to highlight the state’s handicrafts, handlooms, performing arts, and culinary treasures, became one of the most visited attractions at the fair.
Live demonstrations and interactive displays provided an immersive experience, engaging art enthusiasts, tourists, and industry stakeholders alike.
The theme pavilion offers an immersive experience, blending the State’s tourism attractions with an exquisite display of its artisanal excellence. Visitors have the opportunity to witness Odisha’s unique artistic traditions come to life, reinforcing the State’s identity as a cultural treasure trove.
Dignitaries Praise Odisha’s Cultural Showcase
Union Minister of Tourism & Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the Odisha Pavilion, commending its artistic and cultural display. They also admired renowned artist Sudarsan Pattnaik’s sand art tribute to Lord Jagannath, recognising Odisha’s deep spiritual and artistic legacy.
A Platform for Artisans and Cultural Exchange
The fair enabled artisans to engage with buyers, significantly enhancing the market visibility of Odisha’s Pattachitra paintings, silver filigree, Pipili appliqué work, stone carvings, and handwoven textiles like Sambalpuri Ikat and Bomkai sarees.
A Taste of Odisha: Authentic Cuisine for Visitors
Visitors enjoyed Odisha’s rich flavors, savoring iconic dishes like Dalma, Pakhala Bhata, Chhena Poda, and the legendary Rasagola, which reflect the State’s authentic culinary heritage.
Strengthening Odisha’s Position as a Cultural and Tourism Hub
Odisha’s successful participation at the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela reaffirms its position as a premier cultural and tourism hub. This landmark event paves the way for future collaborations, enhancing Odisha’s global footprint in heritage tourism and artisan promotion.
Odisha: A Canvas of Timeless Art and Tradition
Odisha is participating as the Theme State is a testament to its extraordinary legacy in handicrafts, handlooms, performing arts, and architectural marvels. The theme 2 pavilion offers an immersive experience, blending the State’s tourism attractions with an exquisite display of its artisanal excellence.
Odisha’s Architectural Marvel: The Mukteshwara Temple
A life-size replica of the Mukteshwara Temple’s iconic gateway—a 10th-century architectural gem from Bhubaneswar—stands as a permanent installation at the Surajkund Mela venue. This symbolic structure highlights Odisha’s rich temple architecture and spiritual heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into its ancient grandeur. The Mukteshwara Temple, often referred to as the “Gem of Odisha Architecture”, is renowned for its exquisite sculptural work and intricate torana (archway). The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a fine example of Kalinga architecture, featuring a blend of Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu influences.
Celebrating Odisha’s Cultural Icons
The mela will be enriched by spellbinding performances from some of Odisha’s most celebrated cultural figures, including Padma Shri Awardee Ileana Citaristi, and Aruna Mohanty. Their presence will elevate the festival’s cultural vibrancy, will showcase Odisha’s rich heritage through Classical art performances, like Odissi dance, and traditional folk performances. Notably, Ileana Citaristi will perform on February 17th, while Aruna Mohanty will take the stage on February 19th, adding to the grandeur of the event.
The Department of Tourism is acting as the nodal agency to ensure Odisha’s presence at the Surajkund Mela is a resounding success. Various departments, including Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts (DHT&H), Odia Language, Literature & Culture (OLL&C), and Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), are collaborating to curate a compelling showcase of the State’s finest cultural offerings.
Organised by the Haryana Tourism Department, the Surajkund Mela features over 1,200 stalls with participants from more than 50 countries. The fair provides Odisha’s artisans with an exceptional platform to display and sell their craft, fostering direct interactions with global consumers and industry stakeholders. Additionally, 40 dedicated stalls showcase Odisha’s finest handcrafted items and handloom textiles, allowing visitors to take home a piece of the State’s artistic heritage.
Odisha’s participation as the Theme State amplifies tourism appeal and empower the artisans by offering them direct exposure to new markets.
