THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 24, 2026
Odisha has etched its name in the global handicrafts arena with a
historic feat in terracotta production, as artisans from the state created two
new entries in the World Book of Records at the Grand Terracotta Craft
competition held at Kalabhoomi. The event, organised by the Handlooms, Textiles
and Handicrafts Department, showcased both scale and skill, reinforcing the
commercial and cultural strength of Odisha’s traditional crafts sector.
A total of 1,000 artisans worked simultaneously, setting a world record
for the highest number of participants in a terracotta production event. In a
remarkable display of speed and craftsmanship, seven artisans surpassed the
previous global benchmark for clay item production within one hour,
establishing a new performance standard.
Leading the pack was Sebak Rana of Bargarh, who produced an extraordinary
310 clay glasses in just 60 minutes, securing first place and setting a new
world record. Madhab Muduli of Nayagarh crafted 248 items, Than Sundar Rana of
Balangir made 232, Ramesh Chandra Muduli of Balasore produced 230, Bijay Behera
of Angul completed 227, Basant Rana of Balangir created 219, and Makar Ketan
Sahu of Kendrapara made 218 items within the same time frame. The earlier
record of 212 items, held by Michael Weber of the United States, was decisively
surpassed by all seven artisans.
The competition was inaugurated by Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts
Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta, who described terracotta artisans as custodians
of Odisha’s heritage and vital contributors to its creative economy. He lauded
their achievement as a milestone that strengthens the state’s position in the
global handicrafts market and felicitated the record holders.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar highlighted that terracotta and pottery, among the 64 handicrafts recognised by the state, provide livelihoods to more than 36,000 artisans across over 40 craft clusters. She emphasised that initiatives under the “Vocal for Local” campaign are helping expand market linkages, improve branding, and enhance income opportunities for traditional craftsmen.
The presence of Padma Shri awardee Binod Maharana, national award-winning artisans Manabodh Rana and Mukunda Rana, SIDAC Member Secretary Chinmayee Biswal, World Book of Records Vice President Rajeev Srivastava and Director Rajesh Shukla, Joint Secretary Mamata Nayak, and Deputy Director Managobinda Jena underscored the significance of the achievement.
