Celebrating the rich lineage of traditional clay art, the state-level annual terracotta exhibition ‘MRUTTIKA-2026’ officially opened today at the IDCO Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar.
Organised by the Department of Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, and keeping the upcoming festival of Diwali in mind, the week-long craft fair runs through November 6, 2026, welcoming visitors daily from 11 AM to 9 PM.
Inaugurating the event, Minister for Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, Pradip Bal Samanta, highlighted terracotta and pottery as living reflections of Odisha’s ancient heritage. Underscoring the government’s commitment to sustainable artisan livelihoods, the Minister announced comprehensive support measures for all participants.
“We are fully committed to the growth and prosperity of terracotta and pottery crafts. Free stalls have been allocated to every participating artisan, alongside support covering their travel, daily allowances, and product transportation costs.” — Pradip Bal Samanta, Minister for Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts
The exhibition brings together around 380 artisans from 26 districts of Odisha across 218 specialized stalls. With demand peaking for handcrafted diyas, decorative home accents, and traditional kitchenware ahead of Diwali, officials project a business turnover exceeding ₹3 crore during the seven-day event.
Speaking at the inauguration, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar emphasized the strategic purpose of the exhibition. She noted that MRUTTIKA serves as a single platform to bridge rural artisans with urban consumers, enhancing commercial viability and preserving heritage crafts.
During their tour of the venue, Minister Bal Samanta and Secretary Guha Poonam interacted with craftsmen, inquiring about their welfare and year-round business operations. Artisans shared firsthand accounts of their trade, detailing how state-supported exhibitions help sustain their families and expand market reach.
Terracotta and pottery rank among the most prominent of the 64 traditional handicrafts recognized by the State Government, providing a direct livelihood to over 44,000 artisans across Odisha.
Visitors to MRUTTIKA-2026 can expect a rich, immersive experience:
- Theme Pavilion: An curated showcase detailing the historical trajectory and evolving techniques of Odisha’s clay craft.
- Cultural Programs: Evening performances held daily to celebrate regional art forms and entertain visitors.
- Direct Artisan Sales: Opportunities to purchase eco-friendly, handcrafted pottery directly from original creators without middleman markups.
