Bhubaneswar: Fourteen women weavers from Odisha’s Khordha and Kataka districts shared the ramp with professional models at Bhubaneswar Times Fashion Week 2026, showcasing the state’s traditional handloom creations and highlighting the craftsmanship of rural artisans.
The two-day event, held on October 10 and 11 at Mayfair Sanctuary in Bhubaneswar, featured traditional handloom and handicraft products promoted by the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), a Co-Powering Partner of the fashion week.
The women weavers walked the ramp in their own creations, bringing Odisha’s indigenous weaving traditions to a wider audience. Their participation aimed to provide greater visibility and recognition to rural artisans and connect them with broader markets.
Forty models, including Ollywood actress Sangeeta Shibani, showcased collections featuring Sambalpuri silk sarees, Kataka Khandua silk sarees, Maniabandha sarees, Pattachitra silk sarees, GI-tagged Kotpad handloom products, traditional Dhalapathar weaving products, Dhokra crafts and fabric jewellery.
The presentation also included products promoted under the Centre’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, highlighting the diversity of Odisha’s traditional crafts.
ORMAS set up two kiosks at the venue to display and sell handloom and handicraft products made by the state’s weavers and artisans. Visitors explored the collections, purchased products and appreciated their designs and craftsmanship.
The showcased collections will also be available at Subarnashree, the ORMAS retail outlet, and Subhadra Shakti Bazar, providing customers with continued access to the state’s traditional handloom and handicraft products.
Highlighting the role of such initiatives in promoting traditional crafts and strengthening rural livelihoods, Rabi Narayan Naik, Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, said, “Opportunities like these connect our weavers and artisans with new markets and customers while preserving Odisha’s rich craft heritage and strengthening rural livelihoods.”
