Bhubaneswar: The Crafts Council of Odisha proudly hosts “Master Crafters”, a premier two-day exhibition of celebrating the excellence of Odisha’s traditional crafts and artisans at Bhubaneswar Club. Inaugurating the exhibition, Mrs. Poonam Guha Tapas Kumar, IAS – Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Handloom, Textiles & Handicrafts Department said that Government has planned a Cluster development program under Srujanika to foster the craft sector of the state. Under this program, we will develop various clusters for crafts like Pattachitra, Dhokra, Golden Grass, Sabai Grass. It will not only be helpful in branding the product, also provide necessary Marketing and Marketing linkage for these crafts.
The two day event features 20 master craftspersons, including national and state award winners, showcasing a diverse range of Odisha’s handicrafts. Art forms such as Pattachitra, Palmleaf Engraving, Terracotta, Stone and Wood Carving, Appliqué, Golden Grass, Sabai Grass, Silver Filigree, Seashell Art, Dhokra Casting, Tribal Painting, and Handwoven Ikat will be on display and sale.
Mr. Santosh Kumar Mohapatra, IAS (Retd) – Chairman, Crafts Council of Odisha said that, “This is a special kind of exhibition and it is the second edition. It features crafts of very few eminent, special and award winning craftsman. Our aim is to create interest among the public about the crafts of our state. Normally, we organise exhibitions during winter. But this time we did it in summer season, he added.
The event aims to promote excellence in craftsmanship, provide marketing opportunities during the lean season, and encourage direct interaction between artisans and buyers. This initiative will not only the artisans financially but also elevate the profile of Odisha’s traditional crafts.
The Crafts Council of Odisha, d with the Crafts Council of India and the World Craft Council, is dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and sustainable development of the state’s rich craft traditions. The Council s artisans through skill development, market linkage, innovation, and advocacy for inclusive growth.
This event attracts craft enthusiasts, collectors, connoisseurs, and of the public eager to experience and the living heritage of Odisha’s crafts.
Other dignitaries present at the event were Mrs Rebati Pani, member craft council of odisha, Ramesh Swain, member Craft council of odisha and Dr. Adyasha Dash, member craft council of odisha.