THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
SEPTEMBER 8, 2026
Odisha on Tuesday
launched its first state-level special handicrafts exhibition, “Utkalaa: Shri
Ganesh”, at Ekamra Haat here, showcasing the rich craftsmanship of 34 artisans
from 16 districts ahead of the upcoming Ganesh Puja.
Inaugurated by
Cooperation, Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta,
the exhibition features 33 stalls displaying an eclectic range of Ganesha idols
and artworks crafted from clay, wood, stone, terracotta, paddy, coconut coir,
brass, bell metal and other traditional materials.
The exhibition,
organised by the Department of Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, will remain
open to visitors from 11 am to 9 pm till September 13.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary
of the department Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, along with senior departmental
officials, was present at the inaugural programme.
Themed around “Shri
Ganesh”, the exhibition brings together diverse artistic interpretations of
Lord Ganesha, including Pattachitra, palm-leaf artwork and traditional
handicrafts, offering visitors an opportunity to purchase and appreciate
Odisha’s distinctive craft traditions at a single venue.
The initiative is
part of the state government’s “Utkalaa” brand, conceived to give a new
identity and wider market reach to Odisha’s rich heritage of handlooms,
textiles and handicrafts. Through state-level fairs and exhibitions, the brand
seeks to establish a direct connect between artisans and consumers while
creating greater market opportunities for traditional craft products.
The department said
the initiative is aimed at enhancing the earnings of artisans, supporting their
families and strengthening the local economy by encouraging people to choose
locally made handicrafts.
The philosophy behind
Utkalaa is rooted in the call to “adopt local products and support local
artisans”, in line with the broader objectives of “Vocal for Local” and
“Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
With Ganesh Puja approaching, the special exhibition is expected to provide artisans with an important seasonal market for their creations, while giving residents and visitors a chance to explore Odisha’s craftsmanship through the auspicious theme of Lord Ganesha.
Just as Lord Ganesha is revered as the symbol of auspicious beginnings, wisdom, prosperity and the removal of obstacles, the department described Utkalaa as heralding a new journey for Odisha’s handicrafts sector, linking traditional skills with contemporary markets and consumers.
