Terracotta products on display at the Adivasi Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 8: Every year, kumbhakar Amarendu Sahu silently waits for the day when he can travel all the way to the capital to display some of his ingenious terracotta creations. The potter from Keonjhar, whose entire world revolves around clay and mud, could not hide his excitement and thrill while showcasing some of his innovative terracotta creations on the first day of Mruttika 2011 – an exposition of Odisha terracotta.

Mruttika is an annual effort by the directorate of handicrafts and cottage industries to provide a supporting base for terracotta artisans in the state.

Against the settings of rural backdrop at the Adivasi Exhibition Ground, around 70 masters of pottery craft displayed their creations and designs. Artisans from Baleswar, Khurda, Jagatpur, Keonjhar and Nabarangpur, among other regions, have gathered here.

Each of the 40 kiosks set up here has terracotta crafts unique of its own. The kiosks of Bhadrak displayed terracotta replicas of Rajasthan’s musical bands as well as beautiful showpieces and earthen ovens made of baked-clay. Earthen ware utensils and colourful crockery set adorning intricate motifs exhibited at other kiosks also attracted visitors.

The fair is glutted with figurines of mythological and tribal deities in different sizes. Miniatures of different animals, vases, pots and baked clay, wind chimes are also available at reasonable prices. Display of simple yet fascinating lamps and lanterns were spotted at all kiosks. Children visiting the fair were seen fascinated towards adorable terracotta piggy banks designed in shape of tortoise, pig and fish.

The inaugural day saw aficionados of terracotta handicrafts admiring and collecting the beautiful showpieces for their home décor.

The intricate carvings and attention given to minute details in the showpieces made these crafts an art of wonder.

“I am a big fan of earthen wares and terracotta products. The fair displays a good collection of terracotta items every year. What really caught my eyes this time was the clay frying-pans. I bought a couple of them,” said Bibhuti Behara, a visitor.

Aarti Ahuja, secretary of the directorate of textiles and textiles minister Usha Devi were also present during the inaugural event.

“Mruttika 2011 has already received a spot order of Rs 3 crore. The government has taken several initiatives and arranged meetings with the artisans on how to utilise technology and broaden the marketing horizons. We will soon open a common facility center at Khandagiri to promote artisans. The government will soon launch a handloom and handicraft museum in the capital,” said Ahuja.

The event also saw felicitation of state award to six craftsmen and merit certificate to 10 artisans. State Handicraft Design Competition Award was also given to 10 other artisans. The fifth edition of Mruttika will adorn the Adivasi ground till December 13.