Government plans round the year exhibition for handicraft

Bhubaneswar, May 1 (UNI) The Orissa government has decided to organise craft specific fairs at regular intervals round the year in different locations to offer direct marketing opportunity and publicity to handicraft artisans.

Inaugurating a 15-day long exhibition of rare crafts organised by the state Directorate of Handicrafts and Cottage Industries here today state Principal Secretary Industries (Handicraft) Anita Agnihotri said the approach would help in showcasing the range of products developed in craft clusters and opening new market avenues for the artisans.

Mrs Agnihotri said as many as 26 stalls had been prepared for participation of 26 artisans from different parts of the state in the current exhibition christened as '' Ananya.'' The products included lacquer work of Balasore, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Sabai grass of Mayurbhanja, Balasore, golden grass of Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Puri, Sisal fibre of Nuapada, Koraput, horn craft of Gajapati, paddy craft of Balasore and Bhadrak.

The straw craft of Dhenkanal and Jagatsinghpur, coconut shell of Ganjam, sea shell and coir toys of Puri, Soura painting and dongaria art textiles of Rayagada, durry weaving of Bolangir and brass fish of Ganjam also found a place in the exhibition.

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