Toshali Swadeshi Mela: Anuradha Panigrahi & Abhishek Giri Shine as Showstoppers at Handloom Fashion Show

Bhubaneswar: The glamour quotient soared at the 20th Bhabhya Toshali Swadeshi Mela as actress Anuradha Panigrahi and actor Abhishek Giri lit up the runway as showstoppers at the grand Handloom Fashion Show.

Organised under the aegis of the Odisha Handloom, Textile and Handicrafts Department, the fashion show stood out as one of the marquee attractions of the annual mela, celebrating the state’s rich weaving heritage in a contemporary format.

Anuradha Panigrahi exuded elegance and grace as she walked the ramp in a striking handloom ensemble that beautifully showcased Odisha’s intricate craftsmanship.

Her confident presence and effortless style drew loud applause from the audience.
Adding further star power to the evening, Abhishek Giri also captured attention as showstopper, commanding the runway with charm and charisma. Dressed in a finely crafted indigenous handloom outfit, the actor highlighted the versatility of Odisha textiles in menswear, proving that traditional fabrics can seamlessly blend with modern fashion sensibilities.

The fashion sequence paid tribute to nationally acclaimed award-winning weavers including Bhakta Raj Meher, R.K. Meher, Shri Bhikari Meher, Hari Sankar Meher,  Uttam Meher and Arindra Meher, whose masterful creations continue to uphold the legacy of Odisha’s handloom excellence.

Iconic weaves such as Kotpad and Ikat were presented alongside contemporary fusion silhouettes, reflecting both tradition and innovation. Designers and contributors including Reemly, NIF, Sinjini, Layatmika, Priya Mohapatra, Artisian, Binay Munda and Weaver infused fresh creative perspectives into the collections.

With two prominent stars leading the finale, the Handloom Fashion Show transformed the evening into a spectacular celebration of artistry, culture and swadeshi pride, reinforcing Odisha’s commitment to empowering its weavers and promoting handloom heritage on grand platforms.