Odisha Sets World Record in Terracotta Craft Production, 1,000 Artisans Create History

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has etched its name in global craft history by setting two new world records in terracotta craft production at the “Grand Terracotta Craft Competition” organised by the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department. The feat, officially recognised by the World Book of Records, celebrates both the scale and excellence of the state’s traditional clay artistry.

In a remarkable display of skill and collective participation, as many as 1,000 clay artisans took part simultaneously in the competition, creating a new world record for the highest number of participants in a terracotta craft event. In another milestone, seven artisans surpassed the previous global benchmark by producing the highest number of clay items within one hour.

Sebak Rana, a master terracotta artisan from Bargarh, secured the top position by crafting an astonishing 310 clay glasses in just 60 minutes. He was followed by Madhab Muduli of Nayagarh, Than Sundar Rana of Balangir, Ramesh Chandra Muduli of Balasore, Bijay Behera of Angul, Basant Rana of Balangir, and Makar Ketan Sahu of Kendrapara, who produced 248, 232, 230, 227, 219 and 218 clay items respectively, all setting new global records. The earlier record of producing 212 clay items in one hour was held by Michael Weber of the United States, which has now been decisively surpassed by Odisha’s artisans.

The competition, held at Kalabhoomi in Bhubaneswar, was formally inaugurated by Minister for Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Pradeep Bal Samanta. Addressing the gathering, the Minister said terracotta and pottery crafts are enduring symbols of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. He described the artisans as custodians of the state’s history, culture and tradition, and lauded their extraordinary achievements on the world stage. Following the event, he felicitated the record-setting artisans for their exceptional performance.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, highlighted the government’s sustained efforts to promote indigenous crafts under the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign. He noted that terracotta and pottery are among the oldest of the 64 handicrafts recognised by the state government, providing livelihood support to over 36,000 artisans across more than 40 terracotta craft clusters in Odisha.