In a landmark boost to Odisha’s rich handicraft heritage, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Pipili Chandua Handicraft Hub at Jagannathpur in Pipili tehsil, Puri district.
The ambitious project, to be built at a cost of ₹80 crore by the Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department, will rise as a five-storey modern complex spread over more than 5 acres. It is being positioned as a comprehensive “Craft, Culture and Tourism Hub” that will not only preserve but also globally market Odisha’s legendary appliqué craft — the world-famous Pipili Chandua.
Speaking at the ceremony, CM Majhi described Pipili Chandua as more than just a handicraft. “It is the pride and identity of the Odia nation — deeply intertwined with Lord Jagannath and the grand Rath Yatra,” he said. He criticised previous governments for neglecting the artisans and declared that his administration is delivering on promises with speed and sincerity.
The hub will feature 50 commercial shops, 6 government showrooms, live demonstration centres, training facilities, an audio-visual gallery, an open-air auditorium, and an Odia food court. It will showcase all 64 approved handicrafts of Odisha and its six GI-tagged crafts, creating a one-stop destination for tourists and buyers.
More than 6,000 local Chandua artisans, many of them women self-help group members, will directly benefit. A dedicated Raw Material Bank will ensure an affordable supply of inputs, while digital marketing and packaging training will prepare artisans for the e-commerce era.
Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Vocal for Local” vision, the Chief Minister said the project aims to connect Pipili’s iconic Chandua with global markets. “This hub will be a milestone in building a prosperous and developed Odisha by 2036 and contributing to Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he added.
The CM also felicitated veteran Chandua artist Suresh Chandra Mahapatra.
Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta called the project a “new source of energy” for Pipili’s economy. Puri MP Dr Sambit Patra, Pipili MLA Ashrit Pattanayak, and other dignitaries praised the initiative as a long-cherished dream finally coming true.
This development is expected to significantly strengthen the local economy, preserve traditional skills, and position Odisha as a global leader in handicrafts.
