Toshali Crafts Mela Takes Off in Bhubaneswar

Toshali Crafts Mela Takes Off in Bhubaneswar

The Capital City of Bhubaneswar has become the new address of some of the finest weavers and craftsmen from across the country who are participating in the ongoing annual Toshali National Crafts Mela.

The Eastern India’s biggest fair kicked off at Janata Maidan on January 21 with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurating it virtually due to the prevailing Covid-19 situation. The fair is being organised by Handloom, Textiles and Handicrafts Department of Odisha Government.

An array of handicrafts and handlooms from every nook and corner of the country is on display at the event. As many as 250 stalls have been set up at the venue. A majority of 170 stalls are exhibiting Odisha textiles and crafts while the rest 80 are from other States. Around 50 stalls are yet to open at the fair. These stores are likely to start a business by January 23.

Apart from the handloom weavers, painters, stone and wooden craftsmen, sculptors, painters, and artisans of various crafts are participating in the event. Varieties of jewellery and footwear are also available in the stalls.

A stall owner said, “The crafts on display this year are more attractive as artisans had ample time on their hands due to the Covid-19 lockdown. We feel privileged to sell our products here because Odisha is the first State to help artisans by organising fairs despite the pandemic.”

However, the authorities have reduced the number of stalls by 50 percent due to the Covid-19 crisis. Besides, cultural programmes and food stalls have been cancelled in order to avoid public gatherings.

All measures have been put in place to ensure strict adherence to Covid-19 safety guidelines at the event. The fair is open for the public from 2 pm to 9 pm and will continue till February 4.