Bhubaneswar: Guhaldhini, a village in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district renowned for its Sabai grass crafts, will be transformed into an integrated art and craft village.
“This will help improve the economy of the villagers besides providing tourists a unique experience of community craftsmanship in Sabai grass,” Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who holds the Tourism portfolio, said on Monday.
Located 12 km from Baripada, Guhaldhini is home to weavers who use abundant local Sabai grass to create items like baskets, trays, and coasters. “Developing Guhaldhini as an art and craft village will allow tourists, especially those visiting Similipal, to witness the weavers’ skills and purchase their products,” Parida explained.
The project plan includes workspaces for artisans, display areas, and exhibition spaces to ensure artisans’ livelihood security. The objective is to enhance craft visibility, and increase sales through tourism. “This aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘vocal for local’ vision, fostering economic and social growth for local artisans,” she added.
