The vibrant heritage of Odisha took centre stage this weekend as the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) dazzled audiences at the Bhubaneswar Times Fashion Week 2026.
Serving as the event’s Co-Powering Partner, ORMAS brought the state’s exquisite handlooms and rich artisanal traditions into the high-fashion spotlight during the two-day extravaganza held at Mayfair Sanctuary.
In a stunning blend of rural craftsmanship and contemporary runway glamour, forty models—including renowned Ollywood actress Sangeeta Shibani—walked the ramp draped in masterpiece collections promoted by ORMAS. The showcase offered a visual feast of Odisha’s finest textile treasures, featuring iconic Sambalpuri silk sarees, Kataka Khandua silk sarees, Maniabandha sarees, Pattachitra silk sarees, GI-tagged Kotpad handloom items, and traditional Dhalapathar weaving products. Striking Dhokra craft pieces and unique fabric jewellery, including selections under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, further highlighted the diversity of the state’s artisan communities.
The highlight of the event, however, belonged to fourteen talented women weavers from the Khordha and Kataka districts. Stepping out of their traditional workspaces and onto the high-fashion stage, these artisans proudly walked the ramp alongside professional models wearing their own handloom creations. Their participation provided unprecedented visibility, celebrating their mastery and bridging the gap between grassroots production and mainstream fashion markets.
Beyond the runway, ORMAS established two dedicated kiosks at the venue, allowing visitors to closely examine, appreciate, and purchase authentic handloom and handicraft items directly from the creators.
For fashion enthusiasts who missed the live showcase, these exclusive collections remain accessible for purchase at Subarnashree, the ORMAS retail outlet, and the Subhadra Shakti Bazar, ensuring sustained market access and economic growth for local craftspeople.
Emphasising the vital role of such platforms in preserving cultural heritage, Rabi Narayan Naik, Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, remarked:
“Opportunities like these connect our weavers and artisans with new markets and customers, while preserving Odisha’s rich craft heritage and strengthening rural livelihoods.”
By merging tradition with modern fashion exposure, ORMAS continues to carve a sustainable path forward for Odisha’s rural creators, ensuring that the loom of tradition weaves a prosperous future.
