A national-level Pallishree Mela featuring rural handicraft products and tasty food items from different States was inaugurated by Sundargarh MP, Hemanand Biswal at the Bhanja Bhawan ground here on Sunday evening. The Sundargarh district Collector, Rourkela ADM and Panposh Sub-Collector were present.
The fair is being jointly organised by the Orissa Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), district administration and Panchayti Raj Department with support from Odisha livelihood Mission. About 400 participants including scores of artisans and 165 SHGs from 13 States have set up their exhibition-cum-sale counters in 170 stalls.
The 10-day-long expo will showcase a wide range of products including dress materials from Rajasthan, handloom and jute products from West Bengal, Banasari saree, leather metals and art metal of MP, Panjabi stylish shoes, dress materials from Gujarat and silk sari from AP. In addition, 13 food stalls have turned out to be huge draws. Cultural programmes will also be organised every evening. This year the organisers expect a business of over `1.5 crore.