The 12th edition of Toshali National Crafts Mela 2017 is going to be held at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar. The event will be organized by Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department of Odisha. It’s an annual affair celebrated every year in Bhubaneswar, which is also regarded as the cultural nerve center of the country.
The crafts Mela will witness various artisans, weavers, sculptors, and painters from across India who will participate in the program. They will exhibit their traditional and contemporary handicraft and handloom products in the fair.
Image Courtesy: Navratna News
While addressing the media in a press conference, the Handloom, Textiles & Handicraft minister Smt. Snehangini Chhuria said that the national crafts Mela has carved its own niche in India. The vision of this event, as revealed by the minister, includes the following:
• Creating market for the products of weavers and artisans who are economically deprived.
• Preserving the traditional art forms, handicrafts, and handlooms of India.
• Offering an open forum to facilitate the interaction between artists, artisans, and connoisseurs.
• Making people aware of the skills and creative intricacies involved in making such products.
As per the reports, this year the Toshali National crafts mela will be accommodating 350 stalls featuring handicrafts and handlooms. There will also be a food court presenting 30 food stalls whereby exclusive restaurants and hotels will offer delectable multi-cuisine items including traditional Odia cuisine.
Source: YouTube
Every evening throughout the event, cultural programs will take place between 6pm to 9:30 pm, presenting imminent artists and troupes from across the country in collaboration with Odisha Sangita Natak Akademi Cultural Department. Besides, a musical performance by singer Javed Ali will also be organized on 24th December.
Moving on, there will be a fashion show on handloom wear organized by Boyanika in assistance with NIFT. Many government institutes related to handloom, textiles, and handicrafts will have their stalls to spread awareness and educate students about the scope and career opportunities in the fashion industry.
Besides, govt organizations like Textile committee and Tourism department will spread awareness about their activities and work. The students of Handicraft Training Centre, SIDAC will organize live demonstrations on various crafts.
