Post news network
Bhubaneswar, Dec 12: The 11th edition of Toshali National Crafts Mela is set to begin from December 15 at Janta Maidan in the capital. In an attempt to provide quick solution to the cash shortage scenario at the expo, it has been decided that five ATM kiosks will be installed at the venue this year.
“Steps are also being taken for e-money transfer facility inside the premise to benefit the exhibitors and visitors,” said Handloom, Textiles and Handicrafts minister Snehangini Chhuria.
Artisans, weavers, painters and sculptors from different regions of the country with their contemporary and traditional exhibits will be taking part in it.
The Mela is being organised by the handicrafts, handloom and textile department in collaboration with the State Institute for Development of Arts and Crafts (SIDAC).
Around 350 handicrafts and handloom stalls is planned to be set up at the venue where participants will be presenting their exquisite products brought from all over India. A food court, with 30 stalls, will also lure city food lovers.
“The main motive of the Mela is to offer a common platform to artisans, artistes and apparel connoisseurs for interaction. It will help to strengthen the position of the economically deprived weavers and artisans by creating a market for their products,” said Chhuria.
The exhibition is an attempt to create awareness and educate people about the skills and creative intricacies involved in making such products, the minister added.
The minister is hopeful that the expo will do a good business in the current state of financial chaos. “We are expecting a net business worth Rs15 crore, which is slight decline than last year’s Rs15.19 crore” said Chhuria.
Many government educational institutions, organisations working in favour of the handloom, textile and handicraft sector will also take part at the event and answer the visitors’ queries about the scope of fashion and traditional textiles co-existing in today’s world.
Live demonstration on various craft activities will be conducted by students of the handicrafts training centre of SIDAC.
Some reputed artistes and craftsmen will be awarded lifetime achievement and state handicraft awards for the current year.
Noted singers like Kavita Krishnamurty and Amit Sana are among the artistes who will be performing in cultural events to held at the venue during the tenure.
A theme-based structure named ‘appliqué in fashion’ will also be erected at the venue to popularise the appliqué craft scenario in the state.