THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

DUBAI/BHUBANESWAR, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

Odisha’s rich tradition of handicrafts and handlooms is taking a global leap, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurating the One District, One Product (ODOP) Gallery in Dubai on Thursday, showcasing the state’s distinctive craftsmanship and cultural heritage to international buyers and visitors.

The gallery brings together a diverse array of Odisha’s celebrated products, including Sambalpuri Sarees from Sambalpur, Maniabandha Handlooms and Silver Filigree from Cuttack, Dongria Shawls from Rayagada, Terracotta Idols from Kendujhar, Black Granite Sculptures from Balasore, and Pattachitra and Palm Leaf Engraving products from Puri.

The showcase highlights not only the artistic excellence and cultural identity embedded in Odisha’s traditional products, but also the skills and craftsmanship of its artisans. The initiative is aimed at opening new markets, expanding export opportunities and creating greater international visibility for products rooted in the state’s rich heritage.

The global platform is also expected to provide a fresh impetus to women-led entrepreneurship and strengthen livelihoods at the grassroots by connecting traditional producers with wider markets and opportunities for value addition.

Majhi emphasised the vision of taking Odisha’s traditional products “from local to global”, with a focus on expanding market access, enhancing value addition and securing international recognition for the state’s artisans and entrepreneurs.

The ODOP Gallery therefore positions Odisha’s heritage beyond its cultural significance, presenting traditional crafts as a promising engine for entrepreneurship, employment and global trade. The initiative marks a significant step towards transforming the state’s age-old craftsmanship into globally competitive products while ensuring that the economic benefits reach the communities that preserve these traditions.