Bhubaneswar, Feb 27: The 20th edition of the Toshali Mela concluded on Thursday with a grand valedictory ceremony, celebrating Odisha’s rich handloom and handicraft heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, said the Toshali Mahakumbh has significantly contributed to the economic empowerment of weavers and artisans. She described Odisha as a treasure trove of art and culture and noted that 64 handicrafts from the state have received official recognition from the state government. She also highlighted the role of the Srujanika Craft Cluster in promoting Odisha’s traditional crafts and cultural legacy.
For the first time, Artificial Intelligence technology was deployed at the fair to count visitor footfall, marking a step toward the adoption of modern systems in event management. The Commissioner thanked all stakeholders and participants for their efforts in ensuring the success of the event and expressed hope for a bright future for artisans who continue to preserve the state’s traditional art forms.
The closing ceremony was attended by Additional Secretary Pratap Chandra Hota, Deputy Secretary Subrata Kumar Behera, Additional Secretary Chinmayee Biswal, Joint Secretary Mamata Nayak, Director of Handicrafts Surya Narayan Pattanayak, Deputy Directors Madhusmita Das, Ashutosh Mohanty, and Managobinda Jena, among others.
A drone show illuminated the sky over Janata Maidan, showcasing various departmental schemes and initiatives. The evening concluded with a captivating Odissi dance performance by Padma Shri awardee Ileana Citaristi, which left the audience spellbound.
