Bhubaneswar: The 16th Toshali National Crafts Mela is all set to start at Janata Maidan from tomorrow where artisans, weavers from across the country would exhibit their product.
This year, there will be a total of 390 handlooms and handicrafts stalls. While 150 weavers, artisans from different parts of the country will participate, similarly 150 artisans and weavers will participate from Odisha.
Informing about the exhibition, State Handlooms and Textiles Minister Padmini Dian said, “The mela will provide the artisans and weavers from across the country a platform to sell their product.”
The theme pavilion will be dedicated solely to golden grass craft artisans of the Kendrapada district.
Last year, the fair witnessed a footfall of around 14 lakh visitors incurring a business of at least Rs 12.38 crore. This year, organisers are expecting a footfall of over 15 lakh visitors with a business of around Rs 15 crore.
Given the heatwave in the month of March-April, the mela will open from 3.00 pm to 10.00 pm. The exhibition will continue till April 10.