Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has launched a special handicrafts exhibition, ‘Utkalaa: Shri Ganesh’, at Ekamra Haat here, showcasing a wide range of traditional Ganesha artworks and handicrafts ahead of the upcoming Ganesh Puja.
Organised by the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts department, the six-day exhibition will continue till September 13. It will remain open to visitors from 11 am to 9 pm. The event was inaugurated by Cooperation, Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta in the presence of Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the department Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar and other senior officials.
Organised for the first time under the Utkalaa brand, the exhibition aims to provide a wider platform for Odisha’s artisans while showcasing and promoting the state’s rich heritage of handlooms, textiles and handicrafts. A total of 34 artisans from 16 districts are participating in the exhibition, with 33 stalls showcasing their products centered on the theme “Shri Ganesh”.
A major attraction of the exhibition is the wide variety of Ganesha idols and artworks crafted using traditional techniques and locally available materials. Visitors can find creations made from clay, wood, stone, terracotta, paddy, coconut coir, brass, bell metal and palm leaves, besides intricate Pattachitra paintings depicting Lord Ganesha.
The government is seeking to directly connect artisans with consumers and expand the market for their traditional products. The initiative is expected to help improve artisans’ incomes while contributing to the strengthening of the local economy. The department said the philosophy behind “Utkalaa” is to adopt local products and support local artisans, in line with the broader objectives of “Vocal for Local” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
The exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to explore Odisha’s diverse artistic traditions and purchase locally made handicrafts directly from participating artisans. According to the organisers, the exhibition symbolically reflects the qualities associated with Lord Ganesha—auspicious beginnings, wisdom, prosperity and the removal of obstacles—while also marking a new chapter for Odisha’s handicrafts sector. The government has appealed to people to visit the exhibition, purchase locally crafted products and support the artisans whose skills play a vital role in preserving Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.