New Delhi: The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, today announced the winners of the prestigious Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024 on the occasion of World Tourism Day. Among the recognized villages, Maniabandha, a village in Odisha known for its exquisite handloom weaving, emerged as a standout winner in the Craft category.
Launched in 2023, the Best Tourism Villages Competition aims to promote tourism in India’s rural heartlands by identifying and celebrating villages that preserve and promote cultural and natural heritage through community-based values, with a focus on sustainability.
Maniabandha, located in Cuttack district, is renowned for its centuries-old weaving tradition, particularly the production of ikat sarees, a craft that has been passed down through generations. The village has made significant contributions to preserving Odisha’s rich textile heritage, which blends cultural history with artistic craftsmanship.
The competition received a staggering 991 applications from 30 states and union territories, with 36 villages recognized across eight categories. Maniabandha’s win under the Craft category is a testament to the village’s dedication to preserving its traditional weaving techniques while creating employment and fostering economic growth through sustainable tourism.
The recognition not only highlights the village’s craftsmanship but also places it on the national tourism map, inviting visitors to experience the living culture and heritage of Odisha’s weaving community. By promoting villages like Maniabandha, the Ministry of Tourism seeks to promote India’s lesser-known cultural hubs, contributing to local livelihoods and sustainable development.
This year’s competition saw increased participation compared to the inaugural 2023 edition, which received 795 applications, underscoring the growing interest in rural tourism and the promotion of India’s cultural and natural assets.