Bhubaneswar: The 13th Toshali National Crafts Mela began at the Janata Maidan here on Friday.
Odisha’s Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Minister Snehangini Chhuria inaugurated the 17-day-long fair in the presence of Tourism and Culture Minister Ashok Chandra Panda, Bhubaneswar MP Prasanna Kumar Patasani, Bhubaneswar (Central) MLA Bijay Kumar Mohanty, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena and others.
The fair conducted by the Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department of Odisha government will conclude on January 13 next.
As many as 380 stalls have been set up and more than 350 artisans and weavers from across the country are participating in the Mela. There are 80 weavers from Odisha.
While the Mela will remain open every day from 2 pm to 9.30 pm visitors can also enjoy cultural programmes between 6 pm and 9.30 pm. Many noted artists and troupes from Odisha and other states are slated to perform during the Mela.
Besides, ATM counters, first-aid service, wheelchairs for senior citizens and a play zone for children have been set up at the Mela.
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Ms Kalinga