Toshali Mela In Bhubaneswar Records Average Business As COVID-19 Fear Keeps Shopaholics Away

Bhubaneswar: Toshali Mela, a national handloom and handicraft fair underway in the city, has not shown an impressive figure in the accounts book this year though the footfall has been encouraging.

“People are coming in good number and liking our products, but are not buying much. I guess it has something to do with the COVID-19 pandemic effect,” said Debarchan Rout, founder of ‘abja’ which has opened a stall in the Mela at the Janata Maidan.

“Since the fair aims at offering an open platform to artisans of the handloom industry to interact with the customers directly and strengthen them economically, we create awareness among people about dying skills and showcase the creativity of the artisans and artists,” he said.

Different colours of Tussar silk sarees with Pattachitra paintings in the stall are major attractions. “It takes one month to do paintings on one saree. People are coming to our stall for the art,” he added.

The price range of the sarees is between Rs 2,800 and Rs 30,000. Besides, summer collections for men and ladies Kurtis are also available in the ‘abja’ stall.

“As per demand, we are now doing theme-based paintings on sarees and kurtas. We are giving importance to composition,” said Rout.

Amin, a weaver from Chhattisgarh, agrees with Rout. “I have dress materials and sarees made of Chanderi cotton. We have an average business this year. Due to corona, people are suffering and don’t have much interest to buy dress and sarees in such a situation,” he said. The sarees and dress materials in his stall range from Rs 800 to Rs 3,000.

Sangya Swati Jena, a visitor to the Mela from Cuttack, said, “We have an art centre. To promote the artisans of the states, I formed the unit including artists and artisans in 2017. Our artists’ group used to do Pattachitra paintings and other form of paintings. I really like Pattachitra painting and tribal art on Kurtas and sarees here.”

According to officials sources, 120 stalls of Odisha handicraft have been opened in the Toshali Mela this year and 40 stalls are from outside. Likewise, there are over 100 Odisha handloom stalls and 58 from other states.

Besides. three stalls of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons With Disabilities Department (SSEPD) have been opened.

The fair, organised by the Odisha Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, will conclude on February 4.