Annual Terracotta Exhibition ‘Mruttika-2025’ Begins in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar: Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Minister Pradip Bal Samant today inaugurated the annual terracotta exhibition ‘Mruttika-2025’ at the IDCO Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar. The event will continue till October 19.
Highlighting the significance of the craft, the Minister said terracotta and pottery represent Odisha’s ancient culture and heritage, providing livelihood to over 36,000 artisans across the state. “Mruttika aims to promote this rich tradition and economically empower our artisans,” he added.
Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the department, said the exhibition serves as a platform to boost the commercial prospects and economic growth of artisans by bringing together terracotta and pottery crafts under one roof.
This year’s expo features 210 stalls with participation from around 350 artisans representing all districts of Odisha. The exhibition will remain open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, and total business transactions are expected to exceed ₹3 crore, according to the department.
A theme pavilion showcases the evolution of terracotta craftsmanship—from traditional utility items to modern decorative pieces—alongside daily cultural performances in the evening.
The department noted that Odisha has over 40 terracotta craft clusters, and among the 61 handicrafts recognized by the state government, terracotta and pottery remain among the oldest. All participating artisans have been provided free stalls, travel allowances, daily allowances, and transportation support by the state government.
To strengthen the handicrafts sector, projects like Common Facility Centres, Handicraft Tourism Centres, and Raw Material Banks are being developed in 28 major clusters under the brand ‘Srujanika’.
Additionally, the government has raised the daily allowance for artisans during exposure visits outside the state from ₹300 to ₹500 and operationalized 18 training centres across 17 districts to nurture a new generation of craftsmen.
