Koraput: The terracotta items displayed at the stadium ground here on the occasion of Parab-2017 are the cynosure of all eyes.

The pottery, made out of mixing red and black soil and a special type of sand, includes a wide range of decorative as well as usable items such as teacups, frying pan, ashtrays, elephants, horses, wall-hangings, show pieces, lanterns and pots and so on among others are not only cheap and eco-friendly, but also soothe the eyes. The items' prices range from Rs 10 to Rs 800 and have carved a niche for themselves by virtue of their innovative designs.

"All the year, we wait for Parab to sell our products as here our items are in great demand, and we earn handsomely. Apart from Parab, we sell our products at weekly markets, but there the items are limited," said Siba Kumbhar of Jhodiguda village under Korpaut block.

Siba said it took one hour to even few days to prepare an item depending on its size and artistic work. After preparing the item on potter wheel, various designs are being made on it by hand, so that it gives an attractive look.

Floating bowls in the form of fish, masks to deck up the walls, human figures and wall hangings with bell are also among the popular choice of people, especially women.

"The items are cheap, beautiful and will add beauty to your home. But, the best part of these items is that until you break them, they will work properly," said Abhilash Jena, who was shopping at the Parab ground.

Around 40 families of Jhodiguda village make terracotta items throughout the year and sell those in local markets. The artists wait for some special occasion to do brisk business.

The state-level annual festival showcases the best of tribal art and culture. It will conclude on Saturday. However, the Pallishree Mela displaying a wide variety of handicrafts will continue till Monday."Apart of providing a platform for the local tribal artists to showcase their art and culture, Parab have proved to be an ideal place for local artisans to sell their products as over one lakh visitors visit this during its three-day celebrations," said Koraput collector Anupam Saha.