Bamboo products on display at the Odisha Handicraft Mela in Bistupur. Picture by Bhola Prasad

Jamshedpur, April 2: Let the magic of Odisha’s Sambalpuri saris weave their spell on you right in your city.

Odisha Handicraft Mela at Kalamandir in Bistupur, Jamshedpur, from March 31 to April 9, offers a glimpse into the ethnic sensibilities of the neighbouring state.

The fair to promote Odisha’s artisans is hosted by National Organisation for Welfare Services (NOWS), an NGO of that state. Inaugurated on Saturday by Dhalbhum SDO Subodh Kumar, the event is sponsored by the office of the development commissioner (handicraft), Union ministry of textiles.

“Every artisan needs a market. The wider it is, the easier it is for the craftsperson to survive. So we want more people from other states to see what our artisans are capable of. It is not just about the trading of handicraft, but making visible one’s unique culture and artistic sensibilities,” said Gopal Panigrahi of NOWS.

The exhibition displays products that ranges from the familiar terrain of terracotta, dokra, sari, bamboo and jute work to more exclusive and rare items such as pipli, soft stone craft and patachitra.

Around 25 artisans from Odisha and a few from Jharkhand are participating in the fair. Many artisans could not reach the venue on the first day. They will set up their kiosks from Monday.

Those who did, were as eager to share their skills as to sell their labours of love.

“Screen-painting is done completely by hand. We have been doing it for years and it is a family heritage. First, we draw the sketch of gods and goddesses and then fill it with fabric colour. It is difficult to mix and match colours, as the skill lies in flawless finish,” said Narayan Paul, an artisan from Puri.

“Mistakes aren’t forgiven in folk art,” he smiled.

Another artisan, Bhagwan Sahu from Sambalpur, added: “Weaving Sambalpuri saris is an act of keeping an ancient heritage alive. We get great response because these are available only in Odisha. We have good hopes from Jamshedpur. The only problem is that we will lose a couple of days’ business because of Ramnavami.”