Over 350 handicraft and handloom kiosks will be accommodated at the annual Toshali National Crafts Mela, the secretary of the department, Subha Sharma said. The Mela will begin from December 15 at the Janta Maidan, Odisha.

The Odisha state government at the Mela will be promoting use of natural fibre while making handloom and handicrafts. Around 100 artisans and 50 weavers from various states of the country and 140 artisans and 60 weavers of the state will take part in the fair.

A theme pavilion has been organised and it has been conceptualised on nature. The theme pavilion is erected centrally depicting various forms of natural fibres, used in the state in making crafts and fabrics. Singer Javed Ali will perform on 24th December at the fair.

Various Government educational institutions such as NIFT, Bhubaneswar, Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Indian Institute of Textiles will have their stalls to create awareness about the scope of fashion, textile education, career opportunities and to address queries among the students.

Around 20 lakh people  is expected to visit the fair this year and it will make a business worth Rs 20 crore. Last year, the fair witnessed a footfall of 16 lakh people and business worth Rs 15.60 crore was garnered.

– Apparel and Textile News, Apparel Talk, Indian Apparel