Odisha’s Manibandha named ‘Best Tourism Village of India 2024’ 

Maniabandha, a village under Badamba tehsil in Cuttack district, has been awarded the 'Best Tourism Village of India 2024’ (in the craft category) by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. 

The Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, on Friday took to its X handle to announce the achievement. 

“A proud moment for Odisha! Maniabandha has been awarded as the 'Best Tourism Village of India 2024’ in the Craft category by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India,” read the post. 

Maniabandha is synonymous with Ikat handloom. In this small village, the weaver families have been engaged in weaving the Ikat fabric for generations. 

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On the occasion of World Tourism Day (September 27), the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, announced the winners of the ‘Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024’. 

A total of 991 applications were received from 30 States and UTs. Of them, 36 villages were recognized as winners across eight categories. 
Notably, the first edition of the competition was held in 2023 with 795 villages participating in the competition.