Centre Hosts ‘Shilp Samagam Mela’ in Bhubaneswar During Rath Yatra Festivities

Coinciding with the grand celebration of Rath Yatra, the Centre has launched a week-long handicraft fair in Odisha’s capital to showcase India’s rich artisanal heritage and uplift marginalised communities.

Titled ‘Shilp Samagam Mela’, the fair is being organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and was inaugurated on Thursday at Biju Patnaik Playground, Baramunda, by Department Secretary Amit Yadav. The event will continue until July 2.

Speaking at the inauguration, Yadav said the initiative aims to empower artisans and entrepreneurs from Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, Safai Mitras, and Denotified Tribes (DNTs) by offering them a national platform to display and sell their crafts.

“Shilp Samagam Mela is not just an exhibition but a celebration of India’s diversity and creativity. It empowers communities who often remain on the margins of mainstream economic activity,” Yadav said.

The fair features a variety of handicrafts, textiles, traditional art forms, and eco-friendly products created by skilled artisans from across the country. Visitors can explore stalls offering handwoven fabrics, terracotta items, tribal jewelry, and more.

Organised during Rath Yatra, one of Odisha’s most significant festivals that draws lakhs of devotees to Puri and other cities, the Mela is expected to attract large footfalls and provide valuable exposure and income opportunities to participating artisans.