Bhubaneswar, October 31: With Diwali fast approaching, Odisha has set a business target of over Rs 3 crore from its annual state-level terracotta exhibition, ‘MRUTTIKA’-2026, which was inaugurated at the IDCO Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Minister Pradip Bal Samanta inaugurated the seven-day long exhibition, organised by his department to promote the state's traditional terracotta and pottery crafts and provide a marketing platform for artisans.

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The exhibition will continue till November 6, featuring 218 stalls showcasing a wide range of terracotta and pottery products. Around 380 artisans from 26 districts of Odisha are participating in the event. The exhibition will remain open every day from 11 AM to 9 PM.

Cultural programmes will be organised every evening to attract visitors. The Theme Pavilion showcases the journey of terracotta handicrafts.

It is worth mentioning that, more than 44,000 artisans in Odisha depend on terracotta and pottery crafts for their livelihood. Among the 64 handicrafts recognised by the State Government, terracotta and pottery occupy a prominent place in the state's traditional craft landscape.

Minister Samanta said that the exhibition was being organised with the objective of promoting artisans engaged in terracotta and pottery crafts.

“Terracotta and pottery crafts are living examples of Odisha’s ancient handicraft traditions. Free stalls have been provided to all the artisans participating in the exhibition. In addition, the Department has extended support towards their travel expenses, daily allowances and transportation costs for their products,” said the Minister.

Department Secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, Director of handicrafts Nibedita Pushti among others were present in the inaugural event.

The Minister and senior officials visited the stalls and interacted with the artisans.

With the festive season expected to boost demand for traditional decorative items, the seven-day exhibition is expected to provide artisans with increased business opportunities while bringing Odisha's indigenous terracotta craftsmanship closer to consumers.