Odisha is widely known across the country and the world for its rich heritage, art, handicrafts and agricultural products. With the objective of protecting and promoting this traditional identity, several distinctive products of the state have been accorded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
At the SISIR SARAS Mela–2026, jointly organized by ORMAS and Subhadra Shakti, exclusive stalls have been set up showcasing Odisha’s prominent GI-tagged products. These include Pattachitra paintings from Puri and Khordha districts, Pipili Chandua appliqué work, Khajuri Guda from Gajapati, Rasabali from Kendrapada, Kandhamal Turmeric, and GI-tagged handloom products such as Bomkai from Balangir, Sambalpuri Bandha and Odisha Ikat from Boudh, Bargarh, Sambalpur and Sonepur, Kotpad from Koraput, Habaspuri from Kalahandi, and Tussar Silk from the Gopalpur of Jajpur district.
These GI-tagged handloom and handicraft products are witnessing heavy footfall at the stalls, as visitors are keen to purchase authentic and traditional items.
With the GI tag, local artisans, weavers and farmers are able to receive fair prices for their products. The initiative has also played a significant role in economic growth and employment generation in the state. The state government and various cooperative institutions are taking multi-pronged measures to promote, commercialize and export GI-tagged products. In this process, ORMAS is facilitating market linkages and easing sales opportunities for rural entrepreneurs.
On the fifth day of the mela, coinciding with Makar Sankranti, record-breaking business worth Rs 2.75 crore was recorded, marking the highest-ever single-day turnover in the history of SISIR SARAS-2026.
On the sixth day, a large crowd was seen at the mela venue. Visitors enjoyed exploring the fair along with a variety of local delicacies. In the evening, a special cultural programme titled “Human Sagar Night” was organized in memory of the late Ollywood playback singer Human Sagar. The audience became emotional while listening to his popular songs and fondly remembered the legendary singer.
On January 16, the ‘Swa-Tanta’ Fashion Show will be organized at the SISIR SARAS Mela ground. Both male and female models will walk the ramp wearing Odisha’s traditional handloom fabrics and sarees. The fashion show will showcase the state’s prominent handloom traditions through a contemporary presentation, offering a modern interpretation of Odisha’s rich weaving heritage.
The ‘Swa-Tanta’ Fashion Show, scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM, aims to celebrate living traditions by connecting heritage not only with the past but also with the present and future.
