Kalabhoomi Utsav Begins at Odisha Crafts Museum

Bhubaneswar: The 7th edition of Kalabhoomi Utsav commenced today at the Odisha Crafts Museum, celebrating the rich heritage of handloom and handicrafts in the state. The five-day-long festival was inaugurated by Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Handloom, Textiles, and Handicrafts Department, who reaffirmed the department’s commitment to preserving and promoting Odisha’s artisanal traditions.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Padmashree Prabhakar Maharana, Pranati Chhotray, Director of Handicrafts and MD, Boyanika. Madhumita Rath, Special Secretary, delivered the welcome address, while the Additional Secretary proposed the vote of thanks.

Following the inauguration, the festival featured a stone carving workshop, “Sthapatya: Etching Livelihood on Stone”, where national award-winning artisans, including Uday Mohanty, Padma Charan Ojha, Indramani Maharana, Maheshwar Ojha, Rajendra Mishra, Binay Bhushan Jena, and Golak Patra, shared insights into their craft. The discussion was moderated by Devi Prasanna Nanda and included participation from Komal Kant Sahu of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations.

The Utsav will continue until March 26, 2025, with a diverse lineup of events. A drawing competition for students from various schools and colleges is scheduled for March 23, followed by a summer camp on March 24. As a special initiative, entry fees will be waived on March 23 and 24 to encourage public participation. Additionally, a workshop in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Packaging, Kolkata, will take place on March 25 and 26. Each evening, cultural performances showcasing Odisha’s rich artistic traditions will be held.