The Odisha Pavilion has emerged as the star attraction at the 43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) in New Delhi, captivating visitors with its rich artistic heritage and innovative presentation. As the fair enters its fifth day, the spectacular ‘Odisha Mandap’ has been hailed for its intricate design, cultural brilliance, and elegant representation of the state’s identity.

Themed around “Viksit Bharat @ 2047,” this year’s Odisha Pavilion strikes a perfect balance between the state’s traditional excellence and its progressive development initiatives. The architectural grandeur of the pavilion, featuring creative designs inspired by the Mukteswar Temple, Ratnagiri Arch, and the iconic Sun Temple of Konark, has drawn thousands of visitors, with over 43,000 attendees recorded so far. The artistic setup at the entrance and exit serves as a visual treat, symbolizing Odisha’s rich cultural and historical legacy.

This year, the pavilion features 25 exclusive stalls showcasing a wide range of Odisha’s iconic products, cultural artifacts, and developmental initiatives. Highlights include:

• Handicrafts and Tribal Art: Live demonstrations by skilled artists showcasing Pattachitra, filigree work, and Sabai grass crafts have become major crowd-pullers.
• Mission Shakti Products: Handcrafted items from women’s self-help groups (SHGs) under the Mission Shakti initiative highlight Odisha’s empowerment of rural artisans.
• Organic Products and Delicacies: Kandhamal spices, Kalajira rice, palm candy, brown rice flakes, and millet-based foods (Sri Anna) reflect the state’s commitment to organic farming and nutritional well-being.
• Culinary Delights: The OTDC (Odisha Tourism Development Corporation) stall has gained immense popularity for serving authentic Odia delicacies, including Pitha, Rasagola, Chhena Jhili, Chhenapoda, and the ever-popular Dahibara.

The Odisha Pavilion has not only become a cultural hotspot but also a significant contributor to business at IITF. With sales exceeding ₹14 lakhs in just five days, the pavilion has garnered widespread appreciation from visitors and dignitaries alike. The live demonstrations by artisans have added an engaging, interactive element, showcasing the craftsmanship and dedication behind Odisha’s iconic art forms. Eminent visitors and officials have applauded the pavilion for its vibrant display of Odisha’s identity and its alignment with the vision of “Viksit Bharat @ 2047.” By blending tradition with innovation, the Odisha Pavilion has successfully represented the state’s journey toward a prosperous future while celebrating its cultural roots.

The Hockey Association of Odisha has etched its name in history by clinching the title of the 14th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2024, held at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai. In a scintillating final match, Odisha outclassed Hockey Haryana with a commanding scoreline of 5-1 to secure the coveted championship. The final saw an electrifying start as Rajat Akash Tirkey (11’) opened the scoring for Odisha, capitalizing on a well-orchestrated move by Sudeep Chirmako inside the box. The lead was doubled in the third quarter when Pratap Lakra (39’) converted a penalty stroke with precision.

The fourth quarter became a showcase of brilliance from Shilanand Lakra, who scored an extraordinary hat-trick (48’, 57’, 60’) in just 12 minutes. His goals sealed the victory for Odisha and showcased the team’s dominance. Although Joginder Singh (55’) managed to score a consolation goal for Hockey Haryana, Odisha’s lead remained insurmountable. In the third-place match, Uttar Pradesh Hockey edged out Manipur Hockey in a hard-fought battle, winning 2-1. Uttar Pradesh’s captain, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay (6’), broke the deadlock early with a tap-in from a precise assist by Rajkumar Pal.

Manipur fought back with an equalizer in the third quarter, courtesy of Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh (43’) who scored off a penalty corner. However, Uttar Pradesh regained the lead in the final quarter when Rajkumar Pal (54’) weaved through the right flank and delivered a stunning goal to secure the victory. Both Odisha and Haryana secured their spots in the final after impressive performances in the semifinals on Friday. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh and Manipur battled it out for third place, bringing the championship to a thrilling conclusion.

The Hockey Association of Odisha’s victory marks a proud achievement for the state, reinforcing its status as a powerhouse of Indian hockey. The team’s cohesive gameplay, strategic moves, and individual brilliance contributed to this historic win. Congratulations to the team for their spectacular performance and for bringing home the championship title!