Odisha has proudly taken center stage as the Theme State at the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2025, reinforcing its position as a leading cultural and tourism hub of India. The inauguration ceremony was a grand spectacle, with Union Minister of Tourism & Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Haryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, inaugurating the Odisha Pavilion, which has emerged as one of the most visited attractions at the fair. The Odisha Pavilion, meticulously designed to highlight the state’s rich handicrafts, handlooms, performing arts, and culinary heritage, offers visitors an immersive experience that blends tradition with contemporary appeal. Art enthusiasts, tourists, and industry stakeholders are engaging in live demonstrations, interactive displays, and hands-on craft experiences, making Odisha’s presence at the fair truly unforgettable.
As the Theme State, Odisha has curated an exquisite display of its artisanal excellence, showcasing legendary crafts such as Pattachitra paintings, silver filigree (Tarakasi), Pipili appliqué work, stone carvings, and handwoven textiles like Sambalpuri Ikat, Bomkai, and Kotpad weaves. Odisha’s participation is empowering artisans by providing them direct exposure to new markets, enhancing visibility, and fostering buyer interactions. The Department of Tourism is the nodal agency ensuring Odisha’s presence at the fair is a resounding success, in collaboration with key organizations such as Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts (DHT&H), Odia Language, Literature & Culture (OLL&C), and Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS). These bodies have come together to curate a compelling showcase of Odisha’s finest craftsmanship, allowing artisans to sell directly to global consumers and industry stakeholders.
A major highlight of the Odisha Pavilion is a life-size replica of the Mukteshwara Temple’s iconic torana (archway), permanently installed at the Surajkund Mela venue. This 10th-century architectural gem from Bhubaneswar, often referred to as the “Gem of Odisha Architecture”, represents the grandeur of Kalinga architecture, blending Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu influences. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is renowned for its exquisite sculptural artistry and spiritual significance. The installation offers visitors a glimpse into Odisha’s rich architectural and spiritual legacy.
Odisha’s participation is further enriched by mesmerizing cultural performances by some of its most celebrated artists. The fair will witness spellbinding Odissi dance and folk performances, featuring Padma Shri Awardee Ileana Citaristi performing on February 17th and the renowned Odissi exponent Aruna Mohanty performing on February 19th. These performances showcase Odisha’s deep-rooted artistic traditions, adding to the grandeur of the event.
The Odisha Pavilion is also a paradise for food lovers, offering visitors a chance to savor authentic Odia delicacies. Some of the iconic dishes include Dalma, a nutritious lentil and vegetable stew, Pakhala Bhata, a fermented rice dish that serves as a summer staple, Chhena Poda, a caramelized cottage cheese dessert, and Rasagola, Odisha’s legendary sweet with GI recognition. These dishes offer a gastronomic journey through Odisha’s culinary heritage, drawing food enthusiasts to the pavilion.
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela, organized by the Haryana Tourism Department, hosts over 1,200 stalls with participants from more than 50 countries. Odisha’s presence at this prestigious event has provided its artisans with an exceptional global platform to showcase and sell their crafts. 40 dedicated stalls exclusively display Odisha’s finest handcrafted items and handloom textiles, allowing visitors to take home a piece of Odisha’s artistic legacy.
Odisha’s participation as the Theme State at the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela underscores its extraordinary legacy in handicrafts, handlooms, performing arts, and temple architecture. This event has significantly amplified Odisha’s tourism appeal, positioning it as a premier heritage and cultural tourism destination. The mela serves as a stepping stone for future collaborations, strengthening Odisha’s global footprint in heritage tourism and artisan promotion. Visit the Odisha Pavilion at Surajkund Mela 2025 and experience the timeless beauty of Odisha’s art, culture, and heritage.
Odisha has proudly taken center stage as the Theme State at the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2025, reinforcing its position as a leading cultural and tourism hub of India. The inauguration ceremony was a grand spectacle, with Union Minister of Tourism & Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Haryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, inaugurating the Odisha Pavilion, which has emerged as one of the most visited attractions at the fair. The Odisha Pavilion, meticulously designed to highlight the state’s rich handicrafts, handlooms, performing arts, and culinary heritage, offers visitors an immersive experience that blends tradition with contemporary appeal. Art enthusiasts, tourists, and industry stakeholders are engaging in live demonstrations, interactive displays, and hands-on craft experiences, making Odisha’s presence at the fair truly unforgettable.
As the Theme State, Odisha has curated an exquisite display of its artisanal excellence, showcasing legendary crafts such as Pattachitra paintings, silver filigree (Tarakasi), Pipili appliqué work, stone carvings, and handwoven textiles like Sambalpuri Ikat, Bomkai, and Kotpad weaves. Odisha’s participation is empowering artisans by providing them direct exposure to new markets, enhancing visibility, and fostering buyer interactions. The Department of Tourism is the nodal agency ensuring Odisha’s presence at the fair is a resounding success, in collaboration with key organizations such as Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts (DHT&H), Odia Language, Literature & Culture (OLL&C), and Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS). These bodies have come together to curate a compelling showcase of Odisha’s finest craftsmanship, allowing artisans to sell directly to global consumers and industry stakeholders.
A major highlight of the Odisha Pavilion is a life-size replica of the Mukteshwara Temple’s iconic torana (archway), permanently installed at the Surajkund Mela venue. This 10th-century architectural gem from Bhubaneswar, often referred to as the “Gem of Odisha Architecture”, represents the grandeur of Kalinga architecture, blending Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu influences. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is renowned for its exquisite sculptural artistry and spiritual significance. The installation offers visitors a glimpse into Odisha’s rich architectural and spiritual legacy.
Odisha’s participation is further enriched by mesmerizing cultural performances by some of its most celebrated artists. The fair will witness spellbinding Odissi dance and folk performances, featuring Padma Shri Awardee Ileana Citaristi performing on February 17th and the renowned Odissi exponent Aruna Mohanty performing on February 19th. These performances showcase Odisha’s deep-rooted artistic traditions, adding to the grandeur of the event.
The Odisha Pavilion is also a paradise for food lovers, offering visitors a chance to savor authentic Odia delicacies. Some of the iconic dishes include Dalma, a nutritious lentil and vegetable stew, Pakhala Bhata, a fermented rice dish that serves as a summer staple, Chhena Poda, a caramelized cottage cheese dessert, and Rasagola, Odisha’s legendary sweet with GI recognition. These dishes offer a gastronomic journey through Odisha’s culinary heritage, drawing food enthusiasts to the pavilion.
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela, organized by the Haryana Tourism Department, hosts over 1,200 stalls with participants from more than 50 countries. Odisha’s presence at this prestigious event has provided its artisans with an exceptional global platform to showcase and sell their crafts. 40 dedicated stalls exclusively display Odisha’s finest handcrafted items and handloom textiles, allowing visitors to take home a piece of Odisha’s artistic legacy.
Odisha’s participation as the Theme State at the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela underscores its extraordinary legacy in handicrafts, handlooms, performing arts, and temple architecture. This event has significantly amplified Odisha’s tourism appeal, positioning it as a premier heritage and cultural tourism destination. The mela serves as a stepping stone for future collaborations, strengthening Odisha’s global footprint in heritage tourism and artisan promotion. Visit the Odisha Pavilion at Surajkund Mela 2025 and experience the timeless beauty of Odisha’s art, culture, and heritage.
