Bhubaneswar: As many as 560 craftsmen and weavers from all over the country have got a platform to showcase their products at 17th Toshali National Crafts Mela at Janata Maidan in Odisha capital.
Visitors have the option of purchasing food from 25 food stalls offering a variety of delectable cuisines, and are also treated to cultural performances by local people as they look around for the handicraft items on display at the fair from 2.30 pm to 9.30 pm.
The following are some of the most well-liked and exclusive handicrafts which are in high demand:
* Paddy straw art
A traditional Indian art form that creates intricate designs and patterns out of paddy straw, which is the dried stalks of rice plants.
Several artisans and designers have put up stalls where they display this traditional form of artwork which is not only beautiful but also environment-friendly.
“I have been invited to the Toshali mela for 17 consecutive years. The sales here have never disappointed me. It’s always been a great venue to exhibit my artwork. Now my students have joined me in this endeavour,” said Pradeepta Kumar Nayak. The National award-winning straw artist who has trained over 500 youths across the state for free.
* Coconut shell craft
Carving elaborate motifs in coconut shells takes a lot of practice and imagination because the shells are so small and have a unique form. The end results, however, are aesthetically pleasing and useful, making them popular as mementoes and home accents.
“Coconut shells are discarded because they are waste. I decided to use these shells to create vintage jewellery and home decor items like the peacock, one of my creations that was included in the India Book of Records,” Devi Prasad Dash told Odisha Bytes.
* Jute crafts
The versatility and durability of jute make them a fantastic material for furniture, textiles and other decorative and functional objects in the house.
Raj Kokil Gupta, a craftsman from Patna, has been setting up a stall of handmade jute crafts at the Toshali Mela for three years. He sells decorative items and jewellery made of jute like necklaces, earrings, chokers, etc.
“The response has been positive from the beginning and jute dolls, especially the dolls in swings, are the most loved item,” Raj said.
* Golden and Sabai Grass Crafts
Golden grass and Sabai grass crafts are traditional and highly-valued handicrafts of Odisha which are made using dried stems of grasses and require a high level of skill and patience to create.
Ashok Kumar Sahu of Arupa NGO has displayed handmade utilitarian and home furnishing products made of Sabai and golden grass. Among the items are a fruit basket woven from golden grass and storage basket with a lid which is suitable for both hot and cold items, and easy to clean.
The jewellery box, designed like a temple, is a hot commodity among married women.
* Wooden handicraft
Wooden handicraft is in demand, including costly products.
The wooden art of Mysore is highly valued as a decorative item and sought after by collectors and tourists alike.
Kausar Ahmad sold one of his products costing around Rs 1,70,000 and many more have been booked from all over India. “Our handicraft is appreciated by many people through Toshali,” Kausar said.
Jorg and his wife Parsley, French tourists who are visiting Odisha, were all praise for the Toshali Mela.
“We heard a lot about this fair in Bhubaneswar and indeed it is fantastic. There are many interesting things to check out. Odisha is a stunning state with a wealth of ingenuity,” they told Odisha Bytes.
As people are increasingly becoming aware of the aesthetic appeal of ecological and biodegradable products, more and more people are visiting the Toshali Mela, making it a big hit. The fair is on till February 12.
