Bhubaneswar: Kala Bhoomi hosted a two-day programme to enhance the connection between crafts and the people.

Touted as the first handloom and handicrafts museum of the state and established along the lines of the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum in Delhi, the museum has been set up on 13 acres. Inaugurated in March, the museum has a number of galleries to preserve and protect handloom and handicrafts of Odisha.

Around 100 craft enthusiasts from the city and nearby areas took part in the workshop that concluded on Sunday. There were also live demonstrations of craft making such as pottery, tribal jewellery, painting and weaving in the workshop area.

A palm leaf etching workshop by artist Dijabara Das was a highlight as the artist guided the enthusiasts on different techniques.

Another workshop that allured the learners was the Ganjifa workshop led by national award-winning artist Gangadhar Maharana.

"This age-old game is very addictive and is played in many sahis of Puri, but very few people from other parts of the state know about it. So, such workshops will help the artists get in touch with people and teach them the basics to garner their interest."

Odisha Tourism Development Corporation provided traditional cuisine for the visitors. The museum has plans for an outreach programme with schools, colleges, and corporate houses to create awareness.

Shubha Sharma, secretary of the state handloom, textiles and handicrafts department, said: "This museum is a celebration of our glorious handloom, handicraft and tribal traditions and is the perfect window for people to engage in the making process of various handloom and handicrafts."