Bhubaneswar: Odisha has etched its name in the global record books by creating a world record in terracotta craft production during the “Grand Terracotta Craft Competition” organised by the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department. Two new milestones achieved at the event have been officially recorded in the World Book of Records.
Held at Kalabhoomi, the competition witnessed the simultaneous participation of 1,000 clay artisans, setting a new world record for the highest number of participants in the category. In another remarkable achievement, seven terracotta artisans from Odisha surpassed the previous global benchmark for the highest number of clay items produced within one hour.
Sebak Rana from Bargarh secured first place by producing an impressive 310 clay glasses within one hour. Madhab Muduli of Nayagarh crafted 248 items, while Than Sundar Rana of Balangir made 232. Ramesh Chandra Muduli of Balasore produced 230 items, Bijay Behera of Angul 227, Basant Rana of Balangir 219, and Makar Ketan Sahu of Kendrapara 218 clay items — each breaking the earlier record of 212 items set by Michael Weber of the United States in one hour.
The event was formally inaugurated by Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta, who lauded the artisans for preserving and promoting Odisha’s rich handicraft legacy. He described terracotta and pottery crafts as enduring symbols of the state’s cultural heritage and termed the artisans as torchbearers of Odisha’s history and traditions. The Minister later felicitated the record-setting participants.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the department, Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, highlighted various initiatives undertaken to promote indigenous handicrafts under the “Vocal for Local” campaign. Among the 64 handicrafts officially recognised by the state government, terracotta and pottery are considered among the most ancient traditions. More than 36,000 artisans across Odisha depend on this craft for their livelihood, with over 40 terracotta clusters functioning in different parts of the state.
The programme was attended by Handicrafts Director Dr. Nivedita Prusti, Padma Shri awardee Binod Maharana, National Award-winning terracotta artisans Manabodh Rana and Mukunda Rana, SIDAC Member Secretary Chinmayee Biswal, Vice President of the World Book of Records Rajeev Srivastava, Director Rajesh Shukla, Joint Secretary Mamata Nayak, Deputy Director Managobinda Jena, and several other dignitaries.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for Odisha’s handicraft sector, reinforcing the state’s position as a vibrant hub of traditional artistry on the global stage.
