18th Toshali Mela 2023: Celebrating Artistic Excellence and Cultural Diversity
A fashion show was organised by Boyanika at Toshali where actress Bhoomika Dash, Sheetal Patra, Poonam Mishra and other models showcased marvellous artistic handicraft and handloom work of local artist.
Bhubaneswar: Toshali National Crafts Mela, one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday evening.
On the third day of the event a fashion show was organised by Boyanika where actress Bhoomika Dash, Sheetal Patra, Poonam Mishra and other models showcased marvellous artistic handicraft and handloom work of local artist.
Inaugurating the fair, Chief Minister in his video message wished the celebration of art & culture to continue to be a source of inspiration, creativity & economic empowerment for artisans.
This year the “Theme Pavilion” of the Mela showcases the “Tribal Crafts & Weaves of
the State and GI Products” which was inaugurated by Minister, Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Dept, Government of Odisha Rita Sahu.
Addressing the inaugural event as well as the august gathering, Principal Secretary of
Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Dept, Government of Odisha Dr Arvind Kumar
Padheewelcomed each of the skilled weavers and artisans from the State and Nationwide with a heartfelt gratitude.
Dr Padhee also urged the visitors to explore the stalls of Boyanika, Utkalika,
Amlan and others where cruelty-free silk aka Karuna Silk is being sold keeping in view its high demand. Dr Padhee also urged the visitors to treat the taste buds with various lip-smacking delicacies especially the ones made out of millet.
The inaugural event of the 18thToshali National Crafts Mela 2023 witness participation of Sulochana Das, Mayor, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Hon’ble Minister of Science & Technology, Public Enterprises and SSEPD, Shri Ashok Chandra Panda, Special Secretary of
Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Dept, Shri Saroj Kumar Patel, Director of Handicrafts, Odisha Pranati Chhotray and other officials. Director of Textiles & Handloom, Odisha Shovan Krishna Sahu offered the Vote of Thanks.
During the inaugural event of the mela, 11 craft persons of eminence were felicitated
under handicrafts. Out of which, Sri Bijay Kumar Parida was awarded with Lifetime
Achievement Award, 6 craft persons with State Handicraft Awards and 4 craft persons with Kalakruti Awards.
This annual extravaganza, now in its 18th edition, serves as a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of India’s traditional arts and crafts. Renowned 560 nos. of artisans /weavers from every corner of the country have converged in this mela to present their masterpiece .