Odisha’s Handicraft, Handloom Heritage to Shine at ‘Sisir Saras’ Fair from Jan 10

The annual ‘Sisir Saras’ fair , organised by the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) , will be held in Bhubaneswar from January 10 to 18 . The event aims to provide a direct marketing platform for rural artisans, producers, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) , enabling them to sell their products and gain visibility.

The fair will feature 340 sales stalls and 35 food stalls , showcasing Odisha’s traditional products such as handloom textiles, lac items, woodcraft, golden grass craft, terracotta, black rice, and millet-based products . Artisans from around 20 other states will also display their crafts, including Kalamkari, Kosa silk, Tussar silk, Chikankari, Phulkari, and woollen garments .

Six workshops and training programmes involving about 850 members of community-based organisations and SHGs are planned to enhance skills, promote entrepreneurship, and provide insights into modern marketing practices. The fair will also feature cultural performances, kite, drone, and fashion shows , making it a platform for both commerce and cultural exchange . Business worth around Rs 30 crore is expected to be generated.

Importance for Handicrafts, Handlooms, and Livelihoods:

Events like the ‘Sisir Saras’ fair play a crucial role in protecting traditional handicrafts and handloom industries . By providing artisans with direct market access , the fair ensures that traditional skills remain economically viable and continue to be practised. The training workshops help artisans improve their craft, learn modern techniques, and understand marketing strategies, strengthening both the quality of products and income potential.

Additionally, by showcasing crafts from multiple states and hosting cultural programmes , such fairs encourage inter-state cultural exchange and attract wider audiences, generating financial opportunities for rural communities . Such initiatives are vital for sustaining livelihoods , empowering SHGs, and promoting the heritage of India’s handicraft and handloom sectors .