New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Odisha Pavilion stands conspicuous in the ongoing India International Trade Fair for its artistic excellence and futuristic poise in the intended thematic outline by Prime Minister Modi ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’.
The 43rd edition of the biggest trade fair which got inaugurated on November 14th will continue till the 27th having showcased the cultural diversity of the country and with 3500 global participations in the event.
Thousands of people throng every day to Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, the venue of the trade fair to participate and witness the diversity in art, culture and heritage of various states. Amid a lot of hullaballoos, the ‘Odisha Mandap’ at Hall No. 2 draws great attention for its dazzling displays of heritage and cultural images of ancient sculptures and artefacts along with technology, science and modernization that reflects the current state of India.
The iconic sculpture gateway arch of Mukteshwar Temple is placed at the entrance to welcome the people into the Odisha Mandap. What attracts the visitors most is the replicas of Black Pagoda Konark and Buddhist monuments of Ratnagiri, a heritage site of the state. Besides, the image of an extra-modern Bullet Train is placed in the pavilion highlighting how the tradition and technologies go hand-in-hand in the country.
‘Odisha Mandap’ has showcased about 25 stalls by various Govt. depts. to display their products and activities for wider awareness and promotion on brand Odisha. The unique handloom and handicraft products are much in demand, particularly the Sambalpuri tie and dye sarees are selling out quickly. Besides, Delhites are also attracted to Habas, Bamkei and Kotpad sarees, and clothes.
Over and above, the rural products under the aegis of ORMAS and hand made products by women under Mission Shakti have been drawing large crowd to this pavilion. Some products in high demand are Kandhamal Haladi (turmeric) and various spices, Nali Chuda (reddish flattened rice), Kalajeera Rice (Black Cumin Rice of Koraput), Berhampur Pickles and Raagi & other millets products like noodles, mixture, khurumaa, nimiki, seu and ladu, etc.
Large number of people are also buying Silk Sarees and modern clothing, Jau Kandhei and Lakha Chudi and various home decorative items made of Sabai grass, etc. There has been special demand by people for Khajuri Guda (Date-palm Jaggeri) of Odisha in the trade fair. The other attraction at Odisha Mandap in the IITF is Karuna Silk, produced in a cruelty-free manner. No chemical dye is used in this silk. The Odia weavers give a live demonstration of weaving techniques sitting at the venue.
One of the major highlights of the IITF is the delicate handicrafts by the artisans of Odisha. The live demonstration as to making of Silver Filigree and Pattachitra, etc. is being highly appreciated by the visitors. The tribal crafts of Odisha have a special identity of their own. These craft products like, famous Dhana Kala (paddy craft) of Nabarangapur, Bamboo artefacts of Mayurbhanj, Mural paintings of Saora and Gond tribal groups and Dhokra metal casting by Kondh tribes, etc. have been drawing a lot of attention of the visitors.
The special food court having Odia cuisines has been witnessing large number of foot-falls. The taste of Rasogola, Chhenapoda, Chhena Jhilli and Dahibara-Aludam have been happily relished by both Odia and non-Odia visitors.
