National Handicraft Fair Begins in Bhubaneswar, Showcasing India’s Rich Textile Heritage

Bhubaneswar: The National Handicraft Fair commenced today at the Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar, bringing together a vibrant display of handloom and handicraft traditions from across India. The fair, which will be open to the public daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., will continue until April 1, offering visitors a chance to explore and purchase exquisite handcrafted textiles and artifacts.

Odisha’s rich textile legacy takes center stage at the exhibition, featuring renowned fabrics such as Sambalpuri, Sonpuri, Bamkai, Khanduapat, Maniabandhi, and Havaspuri weaves. Among the highlights is Karuna silk, which has drawn significant attention from visitors for its fine craftsmanship and unique appeal.

Beyond Odisha, the fair showcases a diverse range of textiles from various states, including Jamdani and Tangail from West Bengal, Pashmina shawls from Jammu & Kashmir, Kanjivaram silk from Tamil Nadu, furnishing textiles from Delhi and Haryana, and silk sarees from Karnataka. This diverse collection provides a one-stop destination for customers looking to experience the best of India’s traditional handloom and textile artistry.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Odisha’s Minister of Cooperation, Handicrafts, and Textiles, Shri Pradeep Bal Samanta, who attended as the chief guest. In his address, he emphasized the importance of promoting India’s rich handloom and handicraft traditions, highlighting the role of such fairs in supporting artisans and weavers.

With artisans and weavers from across India presenting their finest works, the fair is expected to attract a large number of visitors, buyers, and textile enthusiasts over the coming days. The event serves as a major platform for promoting traditional crafts, encouraging sustainable livelihoods for artisans, and celebrating India’s diverse textile heritage.