14th Toshali National Crafts Mela Kicks off in Bhubaneswar

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Bhubaneswar: The 14th ‘ Toshali National Crafts Mela ‘ began in the temple city of Bhubaneswar on 15th December, 2019 i.e. Sunday.

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Goods displayed at the Mela, Pic Credits: Official Facebook Page of Toshali Mela

The Mela has been organised by the Textile and Handicrafts Department of Government of Odisha. According to sources at the Department, there are about 500 stalls and participants from all over the country. Special arrangements have been made for toilets and for differently-abled persons.  

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Preparatory Meeting Of Govt. Official, Pic Credits: Official  Facebook Page of Toshali Mela

Weavers, artisans, and sculptors from all over the country are participating in the mela. Sarees, shawls, earthen ware, porcelain, dress material, junk jewellery and shoes are on display for sale.

A huge crowd is expected this year, said Mangesh Ram an enthusiastic trader from Rajasthan. A buyer, Sarita Patro a resident of Bhubaneswar said, “I visit the mela every year, the products are unique.”  Another visitor from Angul, Raktima Mohanty said, “I had heard a lot about this Mela, I am glad I could visit it this year.”

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Handlooms on Display for Sale, Pic Credits: Official Facebook Page of Toshali Mela

Various cultural programs have been organized at the Mela for the entertainment of the visitors. The list of programs as released by the Mela authority is as follows:

List of Cultural Programs, Pic Credits: Official  Facebook Page of Toshali Mela

A number of food stalls from various parts of India have been set up at the Crafts Mela. Various food items such as Dal Kachoudi and Lassi from Rajasthan, Bara and Malpua from Odisha, Patrapoda fish and chicken, etc are selling well. Fried Icecream is also a major draw.

An owner of one of the food stalls Ramesh Sharma said, ” people are very eager to taste cuisine from other states, the business is good.”

Food Stalls at the Mela, Pic Credits: Official  Facebook Page of Toshali Mela

This fair draws huge crowds every year. A seller from West Bengal, Rashi Mondol said, “people love our products. This is my 5th year here.” Another seller from Bihar, Pawan Kumar echoed her views and added, ” our Madhubani sarees sell like hotcakes here.”

The Crafts Mela is slated to end on the 27th of December, 2019 i.e. Friday.

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