Odisha Govt Urges Handloom Wear During ‘Odia Pakhya’

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has urged its employees as well as those working in private organisations to wear handloom attire on April 2 and 3 as part of the ongoing ‘Odia Pakhya’ celebrations.

The initiative, titled Ama Posaka Ama Parichaya, has been launched by the Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department to promote traditional clothing and highlight the state’s rich textile heritage. A communique in this regard has been sent to all government departments and district collectors.

In its letter, the department emphasised that handloom products are an integral part of Odisha’s cultural identity. It has appealed to government employees, private sector workers, and the general public to participate by wearing handloom garments and supporting the campaign.

Participants have also been encouraged to upload selfies in handloom attire on the official Odia Pakhya website.

To further promote handloom products, outlets such as Boyanika, Utkalika, Resham Odisha and Sambalpuri Bastralaya are offering discounts of up to 30 per cent (20+10) on purchases. The rebate will continue till April 14.

The state is celebrating ‘Odia Pakhya’, a 14-day cultural festival from April 1 to 14, aimed at reconnecting people with Odisha’s rich traditions and heritage.