BHUBANESWAR: Masterpieces made of from clay are a worthy sight. Artisans from various parts of Odisha to take part in Mruttika 2018, a terracotta craft exhibition, which was inaugurated at the Exhibition Ground here Tuesday.
Mruttika, which is an annual terracotta fair, is organised by the Directorate of Handicrafts and Cottage Industries. The seven day fair will witness participation of 180 artisans from across the state. The expo was inaugurated by Shubha Sarma, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Handloom, Textile and Handicrafts department.
Artisans from Jajpur, Keonjhar, Balasore, Subarnapur, Baragarh, Rayagada, Khurda, Sambalpur, Balangir, Cuttack, Sundarargarh, Nabarangpur and Nayagarh would contribute their works for the fair. About 80 stalls are operational at the venue. Clay artworks like bells, candle stands, wall hangings, lamp shades, ornament boxes and containers of different shapes and sizes are featured at the fair. Orissa Post interacted with a few stakeholders of the event.
Malati Dei, a resident of Subarnapur village, is selling subha diyas at the expo. She said, “I visited the expo as my husband was unable to come. The expo is unique as it features exclusive terracotta items. People from all over Odisha are queuing up to buy various terracotta items. I sincerely hope to churn some profit this time.”
Sonali Sengupta, a leading RJ of a local radio station, said, “Terracotta gives my home a rustic and ethnic feel. So I am here to purchase some items despite my busy schedule.”
