Articles on display at Mruttika in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 4: The magic of their fingers turns clay into gorgeous decorative items and articles of daily use.

Terracotta artists from all over the state are displaying their creations on Exhibition Ground in the city.

Mruttika, the terracotta exhibition, has become the hub for shoppers, who are collecting designer diyas and various other items for Diwali from the 50-odd kiosks.

Idols of deities, fictional characters and animal figures are equally alluring. The craftsmen have displayed incredible use of their skills in creating colourful showpieces. Windchimes, necklaces and earrings are also on display.

“Terracotta has transformed itself into contemporary items such as jewellery, wind chimes and so on. This has not only helped the craft survive but thrive in many sectors,” said an artist from Fakirpur of Keonjhar district.

Diyas as cheap as a rupee to ones priced above Rs 50 are available at the exhibition. Designed in shapes of butterflies and turtles, they look remarkable. Incense stick holders, lamps, small containers for tea lights are also aplenty. Another item available in abundance is the flower vase. From a few inches to a few feet tall, the vases bearing flower designs on them are a hit among shoppers. Hanging flowerpots are also being sold.

Potters and artisans from 23 districts of the state are taking part in the fair. A solitary kiosk from Bankura in Bengal is displaying its unique artwork. It is selling portrait-sized showpieces that has relief terracotta art on a black background. These are priced between Rs 150 and Rs 800.

“I have been coming here since the fair’s inaugural edition and had great sale every year. It is primarily because my products are slightly different,” said Sudhir Bardhan, the kiosk owner.

With a wide range of items on display, the customers have been spoilt for choice.

“I bought some designer diyas, a lamp and a flower vase. There are some more items that I have on my mind and I have to come back again before the exhibition concludes. I ran out of cash today,” said Sunita Biswal, a homemaker.

The organisers said the exhibition, which is now in its seventh year, aims to promote local terracotta artisans. Six students of State Institute for Development of Arts and Crafts are demonstrating the art of playing with mud and moulding them into masterpieces. Organised by the directorate of handicrafts and cottage industries, the exhibition, which began last week, will end on Tuesday evening.