Bhubaneswar, Dec. 15: Men have a special reason to visit the ongoing Toshali National Crafts Mela this year. The 10th edition of the fair that commenced at Janata Maidan today has a special segment showcasing attires for men, made from the traditional fabrics of the state.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik today inaugurated the fair, which is being organised by the state handloom, textiles and handicrafts department. This is for the first time that kiosks have been set up especially for menswear under the banner of Boyanika, the state-run handloom brand.

"We wanted to cater to the growing menswear market. Many of our customers have been demanding for a men's line with attires made from the fabrics of Odisha. We are hoping for a positive response from the youngsters," said Raja Parija, joint secretary of state handloom department.

The collection comprises tuxedo, waistcoats, Nehru jackets, clubbing shirts and ethnic kurtas moulded out of hand-woven Odia fabrics and traditional weaves.

"The designs are quite attractive. Earlier, there were only kurtas and pyjamas in these shops. But, the new range of attire will certainly attract buyers," said Anshuman Patnaik, a 25-year-old student of Utkal University.

The fabrics have been specially designed, developed and patented by the members at the weaving districts of Bargarh, Sonepur, Boudh, Cuttack and Balangir.

A separate kiosk showcasing women's wear has also been set up. A wide variety of kurtis, saris, stoles and palazzos are available in a wide range of colours and designs.

This year, the spotlight is on ikkat, one of the most popular traditional forms of tie-and-dye techniques. At a huge kiosk set up right in the middle of the fair, around 10 weavers are demonstrating the intricacies of this ancient weaving technique to inquisitive visitors.

Around 445 handicraft and handloom stalls have been set up by artisans and weavers from across the country in this year's Toshali fair. A number of kiosks are also selling fashion jewellery, shoes and tribal ornaments. A major highlight of the fair is the variety of home décor items that are available in stylish designs.

The organisers expect a footfall of around 13 lakh and business transaction of Rs 15 crore this year. The fair will continue till December 27.