To preserve indigenous craftsmanship and promote rural tourism, the Odisha Tourism Department has approved the development of Guhaldihi village in Mayurbhanj district as an integrated art and craft village.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, announced the initiative on the social media platform X, highlighting its alignment with the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign. The village, located just 12 km from Baripada, is renowned for its Sabai grass craft—a traditional art form practised predominantly by women artisans.
The project will include dedicated spaces for weaving, exhibitions, and tourist engagement, offering visitors an immersive experience of the region’s cultural heritage. It is also expected to generate sustainable livelihoods and integrate local artisans into Odisha’s growing tourism circuit.
Sabai grass, a durable and eco-friendly fibre, is used to create a range of products including baskets, mats, lamps, and ropes. The initiative not only aims to showcase this craft to a wider audience but also to foster socio-economic upliftment in tribal pockets of the state.
Officials believe the craft village will serve as a gateway for tourists heading to Similipal National Park, adding cultural depth to their journey while supporting grassroots entrepreneurship.
