THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 11, 2026

The stage is set for the 20th Grand Toshali Swadeshi Mela, with the Odisha Government promising an unprecedented celebration of handlooms, handicrafts and indigenous enterprise. Addressing a press conference at Gita Govinda Sadan on Wednesday, Minister for Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Pradeep Bal Samanta described the upcoming fair as a “Grand Confluence of Prosperity” for weavers and artisans.

The Minister said the mela reflects the State Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening livelihoods and ensuring economic empowerment of artisans and craftsmen. He emphasized that the platform not only promotes traditional skills but also opens new avenues for marketing and sustainable income generation.

Departmental Secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar stated that the 20th edition of the Toshali Swadeshi Mela would stand as a true reflection of India’s rich handloom and handicraft heritage. She noted that the fair will play a crucial role in preserving traditional art forms while offering artisans direct access to buyers and wider markets.

Organised by the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department of the Government of Odisha, the mela will be held at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar, from February 14 to 26, 2026. The theme for this year’s edition is “Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar Bharat,” underlining the spirit of self-reliance and promotion of indigenous products. Artisans and weavers from 20 states, including Odisha, will participate and showcase a diverse range of traditional and contemporary creations.

A total of 905 stalls have been set up this year, making it one of the largest editions of the fair. Under the sponsorship of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Government of India, 150 stalls will feature handicraft artisans from different states, while 50 stalls have been allotted to weavers under the Development Commissioner (Handlooms). The Directorate of Handicrafts and the Directorate of Textiles and Handlooms of the State Government will facilitate 281 artisans and 150 weavers to display their products.

In a first for the Toshali Mela, 200 stalls under the MSME category will offer products such as electrical appliances, automobiles, banking and financial services, home appliances and other daily-use items. Sixty food stalls will serve indigenous delicacies, adding a culinary dimension to the fair. Boyanika, Sambalpuri Bastralaya, Resham Odisha and Utkalika will showcase their collections in four dedicated stalls. Key departmental institutions such as SIDAC and SADHAC will also present their special initiatives for artisans and weavers.

Three exclusive theme pavilions dedicated to handlooms, textiles and silk have been designed to highlight success stories of various government schemes, new announcements and initiatives. Live demonstrations by artisans will allow visitors to witness traditional craftsmanship firsthand. On February 24, a grand terracotta art-making competition involving 1,000 artisans will be held at SIDAC, Kalabhoomi, Gandamunda, Khandagiri.

The fair will remain open daily from 11 am to 2 pm and from 4 pm to 10 pm, with a break during the afternoon heat. Cultural evenings from 6 pm to 9:30 pm will feature Odissi, Gotipua and other traditional performances from across India by eminent singers and folk artists. For the first time, a fashion show based on the state’s rich handlooms and handicrafts will see participation from renowned master designers and master weavers. A drone show is also being introduced this year as a special attraction. Daily seminars focusing on Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar Bharat will further enrich the event.

Elaborate arrangements have been made for fire safety, security, civil defence volunteers, first aid, ambulance services, drinking water, sanitation and ATM facilities. Free accommodation and transport have been arranged for women artisans and weavers. The mela has been designed to be elderly- and disability-friendly, with special help desks, wheelchairs and dedicated toilets. A child care centre has also been set up for mothers and children.

With an expected footfall of 30 lakh visitors and projected business of around Rs 30 crore, the 20th Grand Toshali Swadeshi Mela aims to reinforce Odisha’s identity as a vibrant hub of indigenous craftsmanship and enterprise. The fair is being organised in collaboration with the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) and Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

Additional Secretary Pratap Chandra Hota, Director of Handicrafts Dr Nibedita Prusti, Director of Handlooms and Textiles Surya Narayan Pattnaik, Joint Secretary Mamata Nayak, Deputy Secretary Subrata Kumar Behera, PRO Aloka Kumar Mohanty and other senior officials were present at the press conference.