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| Toshali National Crafts Mela 2019 at Bhubaneswar |
One particular event that I look forward to every year if I am in Bhubaneswar at that time, is the Toshali Crafts Mela. The 14th edition of Toshali National Crafts Mela-2019 that started on 15th of December, is currently underway and I had a great time last evening, hopping from one stall to another.
To read about my second visit to the ongoing Toshali Crafts Mela, click here.
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| Toshali National Crafts Mela 2019 at Bhubaneswar |
Undoubtedly one of the most popular handicraft exhibitions in Odisha, the Toshali Crafts Mela is a great forum for the craft aesthetes and aficionados to explore (and purchase) from among the several indigenous and traditional handicrafts, handloom products, terracotta, bamboo-work, brass and metal crafts, ivory and stoneworks of Odisha, besides showcasing exquisite craftswork of fellow artisans, weavers and sculptors from the other states of the country. I came to know that this year, the Toshali Mela has around 380 handicraft and handloom stalls! The kind of handcrafted products one finds here and the skills and intricacies involved in making those products, will definitely leave one absolutely spellbound and in awe.
Held annually at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar for about 12 to 15 days (beginning from around mid December), the crafts mela sees a footfall of close to twenty lakhs of visitors on an average every year. This time too, it started from 15th of December and will continue till 27th of December, 2019. It is conducted by the State Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department in association with the Development Commissioner, (Handlooms) of the Ministry of Textiles.
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| Toshali National Crafts Mela 2019 at Bhubaneswar |
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| Toshali National Crafts Mela 2019 at Bhubaneswar |
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| Toshali National Crafts Mela 2019 at Bhubaneswar |
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| Toshali National Crafts Mela 2019 at Bhubaneswar |
One special attraction of the Toshali Mela is the food court having more than 30 food stalls by well-known restaurants of Bhubaneswar, that offer mouthwatering delicacies from all over the country besides the traditional Odia cuisine. One can also enjoy cultural programmes that are held every evening. Thus, given the amazing variety of crafts, food and music that one finds at the Toshali Mela, it is a great event to attend for the city-dwellers who look to have a good time.
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| Toshali National Crafts Mela 2019 at Bhubaneswar |
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| Toshali National Crafts Mela 2019 at Bhubaneswar |
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| Toshali National Crafts Mela 2019 at Bhubaneswar |
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| Toshali National Crafts Mela 2019 at Bhubaneswar |
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