To mark the festive occasion of Diwali, the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) has opened a special Diwali stall in front of the SIRD campus at Unit-8, Bhubaneswar.
The stall was inaugurated by Dr. Monica Priyadarshini, Chief Executive Officer of ORMAS. She said the initiative allows the residents of Bhubaneswar to buy handmade products directly from rural artisans and craftsmen. She expressed hope that such efforts will create new market opportunities for rural producers and make them self-reliant.
During the inauguration, Dr. Priyadarshini interacted with members of various producer groups from different districts. She encouraged them to continue making unique traditional products that reflect Odisha’s rich culture and craftsmanship.
The ORMAS Diwali Stall will remain open every day from 10 AM to 10 PM till October 21. Visitors can explore and purchase a wide range of handcrafted items made by members of rural self-help groups.
This year, producer groups from Ganjam, Nayagarh, Khordha, Boudh, and Sonepur districts are participating in the exhibition. The stall showcases earthen diyas, terracotta idols, ragi ladoos, coconut oil, brooms, tasty food products, handicrafts, and handloom items.
Two types of gift hampers—chocolate gift hampers and pickle gift hampers—prepared by women producer groups from Ganjam district have become a major attraction for customers.
According to ORMAS, this initiative aims to create sustainable markets for rural artisans and producers. It helps promote Odisha’s traditional cottage industries while strengthening the rural economy of the state.
