Bhubaneswar: A publicity chariot was flagged off on Thursday to promote the 20th edition of the Toshali Swadeshi Mela, scheduled to be held from February 14 to 26 at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar. The mela aims to showcase indigenous handlooms, handicrafts and local products under the theme “Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar.”
The promotional campaign was inaugurated at Ekamra Haat by Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta, who flagged off the chariot to spread awareness about the event across major cities including Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur and Berhampur.
The annual fair will feature 840 stalls, offering a wide range of traditional and contemporary handicrafts, handloom textiles and regional products crafted by artisans from Odisha and other parts of the country.
The launch event was attended by Padma Shri awardees Prabhakar Maharana and Ileana Citaristi, along with senior officials from the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department.
Officials said the Toshali Swadeshi Mela serves as a vital platform for artisans to directly connect with buyers, promote indigenous craftsmanship and strengthen livelihoods while celebrating Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.
-OdishaAge
