The Odisha Crafts Museum, Kala Bhoomi, marked its 8th Foundation Day with grand celebrations today at its Gandamunda campus.
In a visitor-friendly gesture, the museum offered free entry to all guests, drawing large crowds eager to experience Odisha’s rich artistic heritage.
The day was filled with vibrant cultural performances, including soulful Sitar and Tabla recitals alongside graceful Odissi and energetic Sambalpuri folk dances. Senior officials from the state’s handicrafts and handlooms departments graced the occasion, including Smt. Nivedita Prusty, Director of Handicrafts; Shri Somesh Kumar Upadhyay, Director of Textiles and Handlooms; and Smt. Chinmayi Biswal, Member Secretary of SIDAC.
During the event, officials highlighted the museum’s remarkable journey since its inception on March 22, 2018. Over the past 2,922 days, Kala Bhoomi has welcomed students, researchers, curators, anthropologists, and art enthusiasts from around the world. Speakers emphasised the need for collective efforts to elevate Odisha’s traditional arts and crafts onto the global stage.
Saswati Sahu, Chief Executive Officer of Kala Bhoomi, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants and stakeholders.
Showcasing Odisha’s Craftsmanship
Established as a premier centre for cultural preservation and tourism, Kala Bhoomi features dedicated galleries for terracotta, traditional paintings, stone carving, and metal crafts. The museum serves as a living tribute to the extraordinary skills of Odisha’s artisans and weavers.
The celebrations also spotlighted the recent success at the 20th Grand Toshali Mela, where over 1,000 terracotta artisans participated to create a world record. Their stunning creations are currently on display at the museum, captivating visitors and reinforcing Kala Bhoomi’s role as a bridge between tradition and contemporary appreciation.
“Kala Bhoomi has proven that the preservation of tradition is the true hallmark of progress,” officials noted. The museum’s core mission remains preserving Odisha’s living heritage — not just as history, but as a continuing source of inspiration for future generations.
The event concluded with visitors thoroughly enjoying the beautifully curated exhibits that reflect the state’s handloom and handicraft legacy.
