Maniabandha, a weaver’s village under Badamba tehsil in Odisha’s Cuttack district, has been honored with the prestigious ‘Best Tourism Village of India 2024’ award in the Craft category by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The award, presented on World Tourism Day, highlights Maniabandha’s rich cultural heritage and its remarkable contribution to traditional handloom weaving, particularly its famous Maniabandha Pata Sarees.
This recognition celebrates the village’s generational skill in producing Odisha Ikat handloom, which has earned nationwide acclaim for its intricate craftsmanship. The artisans of Maniabandha have upheld this tradition for centuries, with families continuing to weave exquisite textiles that have become synonymous with quality and heritage. The village has also submitted a GI tag application for the Maniabandhi Saree, which is currently in the pre-examination stage.
Maniabandha is not just a center for traditional crafts, but also a symbol of rural tourism, drawing visitors with its unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultural influences. Its vibrant cultural heritage and sustainability initiatives make it a beacon for tourism, offering an immersive experience into the region’s traditional lifestyle.
The Best Tourism Villages Competition was introduced in 2023 to recognize villages that preserve and promote their cultural and natural assets while focusing on sustainability and rural development. In 2024, 991 villages from 30 states and Union Territories participated, with 36 villages, including Maniabandha, receiving awards in different categories.
Maniabandha, a weaver’s village under Badamba tehsil in Odisha’s Cuttack district, has been honored with the prestigious ‘Best Tourism Village of India 2024’ award in the Craft category by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The award, presented on World Tourism Day, highlights Maniabandha’s rich cultural heritage and its remarkable contribution to traditional handloom weaving, particularly its famous Maniabandha Pata Sarees.
This recognition celebrates the village’s generational skill in producing Odisha Ikat handloom, which has earned nationwide acclaim for its intricate craftsmanship. The artisans of Maniabandha have upheld this tradition for centuries, with families continuing to weave exquisite textiles that have become synonymous with quality and heritage. The village has also submitted a GI tag application for the Maniabandhi Saree, which is currently in the pre-examination stage.
Maniabandha is not just a center for traditional crafts, but also a symbol of rural tourism, drawing visitors with its unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultural influences. Its vibrant cultural heritage and sustainability initiatives make it a beacon for tourism, offering an immersive experience into the region’s traditional lifestyle.
The Best Tourism Villages Competition was introduced in 2023 to recognize villages that preserve and promote their cultural and natural assets while focusing on sustainability and rural development. In 2024, 991 villages from 30 states and Union Territories participated, with 36 villages, including Maniabandha, receiving awards in different categories.
