Bhubaneswar: The 20th edition of the Toshali Swadeshi Mela commenced on Saturday at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar, celebrating the rich tradition and craftsmanship of Odisha’s handloom and handicraft sectors. The annual fair, a major platform for weavers and artisans, will continue until February 26.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo inaugurated the event and highlighted the distinct identity of Odisha’s handloom and handicraft products. He said the creations of the state’s weavers and artisans embody Odisha’s glorious heritage and cultural legacy. Emphasising the purpose of the fair, he noted that the initiative aims to enhance the economic well-being of artisans by providing them direct market access and wider exposure.
Minister for Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Pradeep Bal Samanta expressed pride in the state’s weaving and craft traditions. He described the weavers as torchbearers of Odisha’s textile legacy and termed handicraft artisans ambassadors of artistic excellence. Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he said sustained efforts are being made to strengthen their livelihoods and expand market opportunities.
As part of the inaugural ceremony, 12 artisans were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to the sector. The occasion also witnessed the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the Directorate of Handicrafts and CSIR-IMMT, and the Indian Institute of Packaging. Additionally, the Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles signed MoUs with ICAR-National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology and Odisha University of Technology and Research to promote research, innovation and capacity building in the sector.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, delivered the welcome address, while Director of Handicrafts Dr. Nibedita Prusti proposed the vote of thanks.
Among those present at the inauguration were Babu Singh, Swabalambi Abhiyan regional coordinator Sarada Satpathy, renowned Bandha artist and Padma Shri awardee Sharat Kumar Patra, Additional Secretary Pratap Chandra Hota, and Director of Handlooms and Textiles Surya Narayan Pattanayak.
This year’s fair features 905 stalls, with participation from weavers and artisans representing 20 states, making it one of the largest editions of the Toshali Swadeshi Mela to date. The event is expected to draw large crowds and provide a significant boost to the traditional handloom and handicraft sectors.
