Khadi, the iconic fabric symbolising India’s independence movement, continues to represent love for Swadeshi and economic self-reliance.
This sentiment was echoed by Bhubaneswar (Ekamra) MLA Babu Singh as he inaugurated the Odisha Khadi Fair – 2026 at the Khadi and Village Industries Board office near Ram Mandir here on Monday.
Speaking as the chief guest, Singh highlighted khadi’s dual role as both a source of economic prosperity and a powerful symbol of support for indigenous products. He stressed that khadi and village industries remain crucial tools for poverty alleviation across the state.
Rashmita Panda, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), addressed the gathering and outlined the fair’s main goals. “The primary objective is to bring khadi products under one roof and promote a market-oriented approach that ensures the economic upliftment of weavers and village industry artisans,” she said.
Organised by the MSME Department of the Odisha government, the week-long fair will run from March 23 to March 29, 2026. Stalls will remain open daily from 3 PM to 10 PM. Special live demonstrations have been arranged to engage and attract the younger generation towards traditional crafts.
Visitors can explore a wide range of khadi garments, including sarees, shawls, and jackets, along with diverse village industry products. This year features a total of 75 stalls. Artisans and weavers from Odisha are joined by participants from Telangana, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh.
The fair also promises a vibrant atmosphere with traditional food stalls and engaging cultural programs every evening.
The inauguration was graced by Dr Arundhati Devi, member of the Khadi and Village Industries Board; Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Secretary of the Board; Subhash Chhetri, State Director of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission; Joint Secretary Prafulla Kujur; and Financial Advisor Chandrahasya Nayak, among others.
