Bhubaneswar, October 13: Odisha’s distinctive handloom and handicraft products have emerged as a major attraction at the 62nd IHGF Delhi Autumn Fair, which is being held at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida. Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar on Tuesday inaugurated the Odisha Pavillion at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida.

The fair will continue till October 17 showcasing extensive array of home, lifestyle, fashion, furnishings, furniture, gifts and interior products at the premier international B2B platform.

The Odisha Pavilion showcases the state’s rich artistic heritage through a selection of traditional crafts, including Pattachitra paintings, terracotta, stone carvings, Pipili appliqué work, seashell crafts, Sabai grass products and Dhokra metal craft. These distinctive art forms reflect Odisha’s cultural identity and the exceptional skills of its artisans.

Odisha is also showcasing renowned handloom traditions, including Sambalpuri sarees and textiles, Odisha Ikat, Bomkai sarees, Khandua silk, Kotpad sarees, Gopalpur Tussar sarees and Habaspuri sarees, along with Karuna silk sarees. Several of these traditional handloom products have received Geographical Indication (GI) recognition, highlighting their unique regional identity and heritage.

In addition to traditional textiles, visitors can explore contemporary products made from handloom fabrics, including laptop bags, bedsheets, jackets, files, purses and various home décor items. Live demonstrations of silk yarn preparation from different varieties of silk are also being conducted at the pavilion, offering visitors an opportunity to gain insights into traditional textile-making processes.

The intricate craftsmanship, distinctive designs and fine detailing of Odisha’s handloom and handicraft products have attracted considerable interest from visitors and business representatives from India and abroad. Buyers are not only exploring the exhibits but are also placing orders with artisans for future business, indicating potential opportunities for market expansion.