The annual Terracotta Exhibition aims to economically empower more than 36,000 artisans across Odisha who earn their livelihood through this craft. Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts Minister Pradip Bal Samant emphasised the significance of the state’s terracotta heritage during the inaugural ceremony of “Mruttika–2025,” held at the IDCO Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar.
This event is organised every year during the Diwali festival by the Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts Department.
At the inaugural ceremony, Smt. Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, stated that the main objective of the exhibition is to enhance the commercial prospects and economic development of artisans by showcasing terracotta and pottery crafts under one roof.
The “Annual Terracotta Exhibition: Mruttika” will take place from October 13 to October 19, 2025. This year, 210 stalls have been set up, and the exhibition will be open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM.
Approximately 350 terracotta and pottery artisans from across all districts of Odisha are participating in this event, with total business expected to exceed ₹3 crore. Cultural programs are scheduled to be organised every evening. The theme pavilion will showcase the journey of terracotta handicrafts from traditional artistry to modern decorative items.
Notably, there are over 40 terracotta craft clusters in the state. Among the 61 handicrafts recognised by the State Government, terracotta and pottery are considered some of the most ancient crafts. All participating artisans have been provided with free stalls, travel expenses, daily allowances, and transportation costs for materials by the Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts Department of the State Government.
To develop infrastructure in the handicrafts sector, Common Facility Centres, Handicraft Tourism Centres, and Raw Material Banks are being established in 28 major handicraft clusters across the state. These projects are being made operational in phases under the brand name ‘Srujanika.’ Recently, the State Government also increased the daily allowance for artisans on exposure visits outside the state from ₹300 to ₹500. To promote handicrafts and nurture a new generation of artisans, the State Government has established 18 new training centres across 17 districts this year.
