Toshali National Crafts Mela is all set to start at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar on March 28 (tomorrow). Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will inaugurate the famous craft exhibition which attracts lakhs of visitors every year.
State Handlooms and Textiles Minister Padmini Dian announced this at a press conference on Sunday.
As the name suggests, Toshali National Crafts Mela is a once-a-year confluence of exquisite products of master craftsmen and artisans from across the nation at the capital city of Odisha.
This year, there will be a total of 390 handlooms and handicrafts stalls. As many as 150 weavers, artisans will get the chance to showcase and sell their products directly to customers.
Just like every year, the mela boasts a theme pavilion in 2022 dedicated solely to Kendrapara’s Kaincha (golden grass) craft.
Last year, the fair witnessed a footfall of around 14 lakh visitors incurring a business of at least Rs 12.38 crore. This year, traders and organisers of the event expect to welcome around 15 lakh visitors and create business of around Rs 15 crore.
“The weavers and artisans across the country suffered immeasurable pain due to COVID. This mela will provide them an opportunity to cushion the losses,” said Minister Dian.
The craft mela will continue till April 10.