Bhubaneswar: The annual terracotta Exhibition ( Mrutika -2024) has been started at the IDCO Exhibition Ground, Unit -3, Bhubaneswar from Saturday, 26 October . The Exhibition is conducted by the Directorate of Handicrafts. It will be there from 26-30 October. The stalls will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. everyday for the people.
This year, there are more than 300 craftsmen have participated from 27 districts in this exhibition. It is estimated that there would be more than 2.5 crores turnouts from this exhibition. Various cultural programs are being conducted in the evening to attract the customers. The main goal of this exhibition is to improve the economic status of these craftsmen by accumulating their products together for sale at one place. It is a great platform for them to showcase their skills and promote the traditional handicrafts.
The exhibition was inaugurated by the Principal Secretary, Department of Handloom, Weaving and Handicrafts Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhi. The other dignitaries who were present named Special Administrative Secretary Madhumita Ratha, Director Pranati Chhotray, Director of Textile Industry Sobhan Krushna Sahoo, additional secretary Vikramaditya Barik, co-director Sisir Kumar Ratha etc.
Terracotta is one of the major craft out of 51 other government approved handicrafts in Odisha. There are about 36,000 craftsmen are employed in this profession in Odisha state. There are more than 40 terracotta craftsmanship in Odisha. This Mrutika Exhibition has been conducted since the year 2006 to promote and encourage these craftsmen every year before the festival of lights, Deepavali. This exhibition was to be started from 22-29 October this year but due to the cyclone Dana it has been rescheduled to the present date.
-OdishaAge
