13th Toshali National Crafts Mela to begin on Dec 28

Bhubaneswar: The 13th Toshali National Crafts Mela is all set to kick-start at Janta Maidan here from Friday.

Artisans, weavers and sculptors from across the country are scheduled to participate in the 17-day-long crafts fair in Bhubaneswar.

As many as 380 stalls will be set up and more than 350 artisans and weavers from across the country will participate in the fair, which is scheduled to conclude on January 13, said an official.

The fair is being organised every year by the Odisha Handlooms, Textiles and Handicraft (HTH) department in association with the Union Development Commissioner (Handlooms) with an objective to offer a forum for the artisans, weavers and sculptors.

Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Secretary Subha Sharma said around 21 lakh people are expected to visit the fair this year and products worth around Rs 22 crore will be sold.

Last year, 20 lakh people visited the fair and Rs 20-crore business was achieved.

The leading hotels will open their stalls at the food court of Toshali Crafts Mela showcasing delicious foods.