THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 11, 2026

Odisha’s rich handloom and handicraft heritage found a fashionable expression at the Bhubaneswar Times Fashion Week 2026, as the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) brought the state’s traditional weaves and indigenous crafts to the runway, giving rural artisans an opportunity to connect with new markets and contemporary consumers.

The two-day fashion event, held on October 10 and 11 at Mayfair Sanctuary here, saw 40 models, including Ollywood actress Sangeeta Shibani, showcase collections promoted by ORMAS, which participated as a Co-Powering Partner.

Adding a distinctive human touch to the fashion extravaganza, 14 women weavers from Khordha and Kataka districts walked the ramp alongside professional models, wearing and presenting their own traditional handloom creations. Their participation brought the craftsmanship of rural Odisha into the mainstream fashion spotlight, underscoring the growing relevance of indigenous textiles in contemporary fashion.

The showcase featured an array of Odisha’s celebrated textile traditions, including Sambalpuri silk sarees, Kataka Khandua silk sarees, Maniabandha sarees, Pattachitra silk sarees and GI-tagged Kotpad handloom products. Traditional Dhalapathar weaving, Dhokra craft and fabric jewellery also featured in the collections, alongside products promoted under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative.

The presentation drew appreciation from the audience, highlighting how traditional weaving techniques and craft-based designs can find a place on modern fashion platforms while retaining their cultural identity.

Beyond the glamour of the runway, ORMAS also focused on creating direct market opportunities for rural producers. Two kiosks were set up at the venue to display and sell handloom and handicraft products made by the state’s weavers and artisans. Visitors explored the collections, purchased products and appreciated the designs and craftsmanship.

The initiative is aimed at bridging the gap between rural producers and urban consumers by taking Odisha’s traditional products to wider audiences and creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

The collections showcased at the event will also be available for purchase at Subarnashree, the ORMAS retail outlet, and Subhadra Shakti Bazar, providing customers with continued access to the state’s traditional handloom and handicraft products beyond the fashion week.

Highlighting the importance of such initiatives, Rabi Narayan Naik, Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, said opportunities of this kind connect weavers and artisans with new markets and customers while preserving Odisha’s rich craft heritage and strengthening rural livelihoods.