The Odisha Khadi and Village Industries Board is hosting a fair in Puri at which it is endorsing merchandise made by rural artisans of the state.

Hosted near the beach at Mochi Sahi Square, the fair - "Khadi Haat" - aims to promote the traditional crafts and fabrics of the state among tourists who have gathered in the holy city for the rath yatra festival.

The exhibition was inaugurated yesterday. Around 50 kiosks showcasing khadi apparel, fabrics and saris along with cottage-industry products have been set up. A wide repertoire of stylish garments made from traditional fabrics of the state such as ikkat and kotpad are being displayed at the kiosks.

Weavers and craftsmen from various districts, including Mayurbhanj, Kalahandi, Koraput, have taken part in the fair to promote their art forms.

A local brand of coconut oil made by women of Sakhi Gopal in Puri was also launched on the inaugural day of the event.

The fair gave people an opportunity to buy khadi items and village products that are not available easily available outside Odisha.

Various tribal jewellery as well as home décor items, including dokra craft and items made of lacquer and bamboo, are attracting tourists. A number of handicraft items made from horns, straws, brass and wood, have also become a hit with buyers.

"A number of handicraft items made of horn art and bamboo were quite attractive. These products are not available in our state, so, I bought a lot of decorative items for my home," said Kiran Mukherjee, a visitor from Midnapore in Bengal. The fair was also held during Nabakalebar last year. Since it received an overwhelming response, the state government decided to hold it again.

"We had not planned to host it again. But the fair was really helpful for the participants to earn some extra money. So, we decided to host it this year as well," said board president Tejeswar Parida.

A few craftsmen from neighbouring states have also set up kiosks. On the initial day, the fair witnessed a footfall of around 3,000 people. The exhibition will conclude after bahuda yatra on July 14.