The 7-day “Odisha Khadi Fair – 2026” concluded in Bhubaneswar with a strong call to promote khadi and village industries as pillars of rural employment and economic growth. Addressing the closing ceremony, MSME Minister Gokulananda Mallik emphasized the vast potential of the khadi sector in strengthening the rural economy. He urged citizens to adopt khadi in their daily lives, suggesting that people wear khadi garments at least once a week to support artisans. The minister also highlighted the need for modern approaches such as digital marketing and innovative designs to attract younger consumers.
The event, organized by the Odisha Khadi and Village Industries Board, focused on expanding market access for artisans. A key highlight this year was the integration of 50 artisan and weaver groups into the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), promoting e-commerce awareness and digital inclusion.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the MSME Department Rashmita Panda delivered the welcome address, while Secretary Sanjay Kumar Mishra proposed the vote of thanks. The ceremony was also attended by board member and former minister Devendra Nath Manasingh and Dr. Arundhati Devi.
This year’s fair featured 75 stalls with participation from artisans across multiple states, including Odisha, Telangana, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh. The event recorded business transactions worth approximately ₹1.2 crore. In the best stall category, Bapuji Khadi Seva Sangh secured first place, followed by Maa Durga Gramya Shilpa Samiti in second place, and Resham Odisha in third. The fair aimed to provide a unified platform for showcasing khadi and village industry products while strengthening market linkages and enhancing the livelihoods of weavers and artisans.
