Toshali Crafts Mela To Begin In Bhubaneswar Today; Check Timing, Main Attractions

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is scheduled to inaugurate the 17th Toshali National Crafts Mela at Janata Maidan in Odisha capital on Wednesday.

Lifetime Achievement awardees in the handicrafts sector for 2019, 2020, and 2021 will be felicitated at the inaugural event. State Award for Handicrafts and Handloom sector will be given to eminent personalities on this occasion.

The fair, providing a marketing platform to 560 handicraft artisans and weavers from across the country, will remain open from 2.30 pm to 9.30 pm till February 12.

The Handloom, Textiles and Handicrafts department informed that this edition of the fair, which has carved a niche in the country’s annual carnival calendar, will be accessible, inclusive, and sustainable, besides being different-abled and senior citizen friendly.

This year, the Theme Pavilion will showcase ‘Handlooms Tradition & Trends’. As many as 150 artisans and 110 weavers from the state are participating. Educational institutes and government organisations related to handicrafts and handloom sector of the state/India will create awareness about skills and creative intricacies involved in making the products.. Apex Handicrafts Corporations will showcase the rich handicrafts and handlooms of that state.

There will be a food court with stalls offering multi-cuisine and Odia delicacies. These would include stalls of Millet Mission, OMFED and OTDC. Eminent artists and troops from different parts of the country as well as the state will participate in cultural programmes between 6 pm to 9.30 pm every evening. It is being arranged in association with Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademy and Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture. There will also be a fashion show showcasing rich handloom/handicrafts products of Odisha.

Last year, the mela had seen a footfall of 19 lakh and Rs 16.13 crore earnings. The department is expecting 20 lakh people to visit the fair this year and a business of Rs 20 crore.