20th Grand Toshali Swadeshi Mela to Begin in Bhubaneswar on Feb 14, Over 900 Stalls, 30 Lakh Footfall Expected

Bhubaneswar: The 20th Grand Toshali Swadeshi Mela, one of Odisha’s largest exhibitions celebrating handlooms, handicrafts and indigenous products, will be held from February 14 to 26 at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar, with participation from artisans and weavers across 20 states of India.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at Gita Govinda Sadan, where Minister for Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Pradeep Bal Samanta described the mela as a “grand confluence of prosperity” for weavers and artisans. He said the event reflects the State Government’s firm commitment towards strengthening livelihoods, preserving traditional crafts and promoting economic empowerment of artisans.

Departmental Commissioner-cum-Secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar said the Toshali Swadeshi Mela stands as a true reflection of Odisha’s rich handloom and handicraft heritage. She added that the event would provide an important platform for the preservation, promotion, marketing and sale of traditional products, while also encouraging innovation and market expansion.

Organised by the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, Government of Odisha, in collaboration with the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) and Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, this year’s mela carries the theme ‘Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

A total of 905 stalls have been set up for the mega fair. Under the sponsorship of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), 150 stalls will showcase handicraft products from across the country, while 50 stalls are reserved for handloom weavers supported by the Development Commissioner (Handlooms). Additionally, 281 artisans and 150 weavers will participate through stalls sponsored by the State Directorate of Handicrafts and Directorate of Textiles and Handlooms.

For the first time, 200 stalls under the MSME category will display products such as electrical appliances, automobiles, banking and financial services, home appliances and daily-use household items. Visitors will also be able to savour indigenous cuisine at 60 dedicated food stalls. State-run marketing organisations Boyanika, Sambalpuri Bastralaya, Resham Odisha and Utkalika will showcase their collections in four special stalls. Institutions such as SIDAC and SADHAC will highlight government initiatives for artisans and weavers.

Three theme pavilions dedicated to handlooms, textiles and silk have been created to showcase government schemes, success stories and innovative initiatives. Live demonstrations by artisans will be another key attraction. A grand terracotta art competition involving 1,000 artisans will be organised on February 24 at SIDAC, Kalabhoomi, Gandamunda, Khandagiri.

The mela will remain open daily from 11 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 10 pm, with a mid-day break from 2 pm to 4 pm in view of the heat. Cultural programmes featuring Odissi, Gotipua and folk performances from across India will be staged every evening from 6 pm to 9:30 pm. A special fashion show themed on Odisha’s rich handloom and handicrafts heritage will be organised for the first time, featuring renowned master designers and weavers. Visitors will also witness a drone show, another first for the Toshali Mela.

Daily seminars on Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar Bharat will be held alongside the exhibition. Comprehensive arrangements including fire services, security, civil defence volunteers, first-aid, ambulance services, drinking water, toilets and ATM counters have been put in place. Special facilities such as free accommodation and transport for women artisans, wheelchairs, special toilets, help desks for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and a child care centre for mothers and children have also been arranged.

The organisers expect the mela to attract around 30 lakh visitors, generating business worth ₹30 crore.