Toshali Swadeshi Mela to Celebrate India’s Handloom Heritage in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Feb 12: Artisans and weavers from 20 states, including Odisha, will converge in the capital city for the 20th Grand Toshali Swadeshi Mela beginning February 14, showcasing a vibrant collection of handloom and handicraft products and celebrating India’s rich traditional heritage.

Organised by the Department of Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, Government of Odisha, the mela carries the theme “Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar Bharat” this year. The event is sponsored by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Government of India.

Odisha’s Minister for Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, Pradeep Bal Samanta, described the mela as a “Grand Confluence of Prosperity” for weavers and artisans, emphasising its role in promoting traditional crafts and strengthening livelihoods. He said the State Government remains committed to empowering artisans and craftsmen economically.

A total of 150 stalls will display handicraft products from across the country, while 50 stalls will showcase handloom items under the aegis of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms). Additionally, 281 artisans and 150 weavers will participate under the Directorate of Handicrafts and the Directorate of Textiles and Handlooms of the State Government.

In a first for the fair, 200 stalls will feature MSME products, including electrical appliances, banking and financial services, automobiles, home appliances and other daily-use items. Visitors can also savour traditional flavours at 60 food stalls offering indigenous delicacies.

Leading state-run organisations such as Boyanika, Sambalpuri Bastralaya, Resham Odisha and Utkalika will display their products in four dedicated stalls. Key departmental institutions including SIDAC and SADHAC will present special initiatives aimed at supporting artisans and weavers.

Three thematic pavilions dedicated to handlooms, textiles and silk have been set up to showcase success stories of various government schemes, recent announcements and new initiatives of the State Government.

The mela will feature live demonstrations by artisans, giving visitors an opportunity to witness traditional craft-making techniques. A grand terracotta art competition involving 1,000 artisans will be organised on February 24 at SIDAC, Kalabhoomi, in Bhubaneswar.

Cultural programmes will form a major attraction, with performances of Odissi, Gottipua, and folk dances and music from across India by eminent artists. For the first time, a fashion show themed around Odisha’s handloom and handicraft heritage will be organised, featuring renowned master designers and master weavers. A drone show will also debut this year.

Daily seminars on the theme “Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar Bharat” will be conducted during the fair.

Handloom and Handicraft Commissioner-cum-Secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar said the Toshali Swadeshi Mela reflects the rich heritage of India’s handloom and handicraft traditions and serves as an excellent platform for preserving, promoting and marketing artisans’ products.

The mela is expected to attract around 30 lakh visitors and generate business worth Rs 30 crore, officials said.