Cuttack, July 12: Cuttack’s world-renowned silver filigree, known as Tarakasi, is drawing widespread admiration at the Bharat Utsav 2025, currently underway in Moscow, Russia. The intricate art form has been selected as one of the top five handicrafts from across India to be showcased at this prestigious international cultural festival.
Master artisan Pankaj Kumar Sahu from Cuttack has taken the lead in representing the craft on the global stage. Sahu, a resident of Kafla bazar, is no stranger to international acclaim, having previously participated in several national and global handicraft exhibitions. His work also gained attention during the Hockey World Cup in Odisha, where Tarakasi mementos crafted by him were presented to players and dignitaries.
The inclusion of Tarakasi in Bharat Utsav comes shortly after the art form received its Geographical Indication (GI) tag, further cementing its cultural and historical importance. The recognition at an event of this scale is seen as a moment of great pride for Odisha and India’s traditional crafts sector.
The festival, which began on July 5 and runs through July 13, is jointly organized by the Indian Embassy in Moscow and the Government of Russia. It was inaugurated by India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, and Bulat Nurmukhanov, Vice President of the Moscow City Tourism Committee. The event is aimed at strengthening India-Russia bilateral relations through cultural exchange.
With support from the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) and the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), the exhibition features five master artisans from India showcasing the country's rich handicraft heritage. In addition to silver filigree, live demonstrations include metal crafts, Madhubani painting, Pashmina weaving, and wood carving.
Visitors to the exhibition have been particularly captivated by the finesse of Cuttack’s Tarakasi, praising its delicate detailing and skilled artistry. Dressed in traditional Indian attire, Pankaj Kumar Sahu is performing live demonstrations of the filigree-making process, offering audiences a rare glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship that defines the centuries-old art.
The event continues to attract large crowds and is being hailed as a successful celebration of India’s artisanal excellence on the world stage.
