Special Handloom Expo-2024 Inaugurated in Bhubaneswar to Boost Weaver Communities

Bhubaneswar: The Handloom, Textiles & Handicrafts Department of the Government of Odisha has approved the Annual Calendar for the year, setting the stage for the Special Handloom Expo-2024. Organized by Sambalpuri Bastralaya under the POHI-2023-24 funds, the expo aims to invigorate sales and provide regular employment opportunities to weaver members of PWCS/SHGs.

The inauguration of the Special Handloom Expo-2024 took place at Ekambra Haat, Bhubaneswar, with Pranati Chhotray, IAS, Director of Textiles, Odisha, presiding over the ceremony. Also in attendance were notable dignitaries including Smt. Mamata Nayak, OAS(SAG), Joint Secretary to Govt., and Smt. Binapani Naik, OFS, FA-cum-Joint Secretary to Govt. HT&H department, Govt. of Odisha, among others.

The expo, scheduled to continue until March 31, 2024, features 34 stalls showcasing the products of PWCS/SHGs from various zones including Baragrh, Cuttack, Sonepur, Athagarh, Baripada, Balasore, Patanagarh, Nayagarh, Khordha, Koraput, and Boudh. These stalls, provided free of cost, offer a common platform for customers to access handloom products from across the state at reasonable prices, with a 10% rebate offered by the government.

Hrushikesh Mahali, Managing Director of Sambalpuri Bastralaya, expressed optimism about the expo’s potential to uplift the weaving communities and promote their craftsmanship. Hemanta Kumar Mishra, Marketing Officer of Sambalpuri Bastralaya, echoed this sentiment, urging customers to take advantage of the opportunity to support local artisans and purchase high-quality handloom products.