Toshali National Crafts Mela 2014 started in Bhubaneswar

9th Toshali National Crafts Mela 2014 started on Janata Maidan on Monday. Find colourful kiosks, artifacts, handlooms, cultural performances and mouthwatering food and much more here.

Inaugurating the 12-day fair, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said, “Our craftsmen and weavers are the saviours of our conventional cultural prosperity. Their magical hands have been creating wonders, which we need to honour, preserve and promote.”

This year the focus is on dhokra casting and tribal jewellery. A theme pavillion called ‘Magic in Metal’ has been set up, which has live demonstrations on the craft.

As many as 500 artisans of 120 families earn their livelihood by creating various dhokra craft items. The price of dhokra craft items ranges from Rs 10 to Rs 10,000 and more depending on the size and design.

Besides, tribal artisans from districts like Nabarangpur, Koraput, Dhenkanal, Rayagada and kalahandi also gave live demonstartions of producing jewellery items like necklaces, bangles, earrings, finger rings, bracelets, anklets and so on.

“We eagerly wait for the mela every year because here we get a wide range of products, home decor items, furniture, home furnishings, cutlery, wall hangings, jewellery, shoes, gift items and so on,” said a visitor.