Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the 9th Toshali National Crafts Mela at the Janata Maidan here on Monday. The fair would continue for thirteen days till December 27 in the city.
A total of 300 handicraft and handloom stalls from across the country have been put up at the fair ground. The Madhubani paintings and brass products of Bihar, bamboo products of Tripura, Chikankari of lucknow, Kashmir shawls and Banarasi sarees are some of the main attractions being showcased in stalls. Similarly, the Theme Pavilion on Dhokra casting of Odisha and fashion show of NIFT would add glitter to the event.
In his address, the Chief Minister termed the Toashali Craft Mela as a vision to mainstream socioeconomic and cultural activities of craftsmen and weavers. Among others, Textiles, Handloom and Handcrafts Minister Snehangini Chhuria, Tourism and Culture Minister Ashok Panda, MP Prasanna Patsani, MlAs Bijay Mohanty and Priyadarshi Mishra, Mayor AN Jena and Handicraft and Handloom Secretary Chitra Armugam were present.