Bhubaneswar, Jan 12: These days, the demand for handicrafts is steadily increasing. People now prefer purchasing locally crafted handmade products by artisans rather than decorating their homes with factory-made items bought from outside. This growing preference not only encourages local artisan communities to carry forward their traditional livelihoods across generations but also supports everyone involved in the value chain — from craftsmen to rural residents engaged in preparing raw materials.
With government support and rising public demand, artisans are being further motivated to increase production. Local crafts are gradually gaining popularity at district, state and even national levels. Many such popular handicrafts have found a prominent place at this year’s Sisir Saras Fair 2026. While visitors are showing keen interest in purchasing traditional products from various stalls, the live craft counters have emerged as a major attraction for the audience.
A wide range of products is being created live, including hand purses, fruit baskets, coasters, dining mats, mirrors, boxes and other household items made from Sabai grass. Using coconut fibre and colourful wool threads, artisans are producing decorative home items. Handcrafted figures such as crocodiles, deer, elephants, camels, birds and bird nests made from fibre are highly popular among buyers.
The live counter of the increasingly popular Tumba (dried gourd) craft is witnessing heavy footfall, as visitors gather to watch the intricate work. Products are designed based on the natural shape of each gourd, giving every item a unique appeal. These include jewellery sets, flower vases, lamps, desk décor items and more. For raw materials, local farmers are provided seeds to cultivate gourds, which are later collected and used by artisans. According to chief artisan Himanshu Shekhar, over 2,500 women are engaged in this work and earning livelihoods through it.
Live Pattachitra painting on palm leaves, colourful sarees, dupattas, jute purses, bags, and depictions of various deities are captivating audiences at the counters.
The live fabric jewellery stall has become a major crowd-puller, especially among women. These eco-friendly, lightweight ornaments are made using Sambalpuri fabric and are sold under the brand name “Sambalpuri Sajo.” From earrings to necklace sets, a wide variety of designs are available at affordable prices, making them highly popular among visitors.
Brass Dhokra items are being prepared using the traditional wax mould technique. Beautiful home décor items such as flower vases and pen stands are also being created from waste paper. Additionally, live preparation of lac bangles has attracted large numbers of women eager to choose bangles of their own preference. Women from Self-Help Groups across districts like Rayagada, Keonjhar, Sundargarh and Mayurbhanj are actively participating in these activities. Depending on size and complexity, each product takes between one to three days to complete. Visitors are not only enjoying watching the live crafting process but are also purchasing items of their choice directly from the artisans.
Within just the first two days, the Sisir Saras Fair has recorded sales of approximately ₹2.47 crore. With such an encouraging start, traders are hopeful of even stronger business in the coming days.
Beyond shopping, the fair’s cultural evenings are also drawing huge appreciation. On the third evening, audiences enjoyed traditional dance performances including Odisha’s Sambalpuri dance, Andhra Pradesh’s Kuchipudi, and Assam’s Pali dance. The musical performances by Ollywood singer Antara Chakraborty, along with the energetic performances of Odia bands Trilok and Trisha, kept the audience enthralled and dancing to the rhythm.
