Toshali National Crafts Mela In Bhubaneswar From Dec 15

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government’s handlooms, textiles and handicrafts department
is gearing up to host the 12th edition of Toshali National Crafts Mela
at Janata Maidan here from December 15.

“Artisans, weavers, painters and sculptors from 25 states in India will participate in the fair and exhibit their traditional and contemporary handicraft and handloom products. We have set up 350 stalls for the purpose,” handlooms, textiles and handicrafts minister Snehangini Chhuria told a press conference on Tuesday.

A food court with 300 stalls set up by different hotels and restaurants
will offer delicious multi-cuisine foodstuff as well as traditional Odia
dishes to the visitors. Besides, cultural programmes, including music
performance by popular Bollywood singer Javed Ali, will be one of the
major attractions for the visitors, Chhuria said.

Last year, the mela witnessed a footfall of nearly 16 lakh people. This
year, around 20 lakh people are expected to visit and products worth
Rs 20 crore is expected to be sold during the fair, which will
continue till December 27, the minister added.