The earthy warmth of terracotta takes centre stage at Bhubaneswar’s IDCO Exhibition Ground, where the annual terracotta exhibition “Mruttika–2025” has opened its doors. More than an exhibition, it stands as a celebration of heritage, artistry, and resilience, an effort to empower over 36,000 artisans who breathe life into clay across the state.
Inaugurated by Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts Minister Pradip Bal Samant, the event underscores the cultural and economic importance of Odisha’s terracotta tradition, one of the state’s most ancient crafts. Organised every year by the Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts Department during Diwali, Mruttika has grown into a powerful platform where tradition meets opportunity. Commissioner-cum-Secretary Smt. Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar highlighted that the primary goal of the event is to enhance the commercial prospects of artisans by bringing together the finest terracotta and pottery works under one roof.
The exhibition, which runs from October 13 to October 19, hosts 210 stalls featuring the craftsmanship of around 350 artisans from every corner of Odisha. Each piece on display tells a story of patience and passion, be it a rustic village idol, a delicate lamp, or a modern decorative creation. With business expected to exceed ₹3 crore this year, Mruttika is not just about art appreciation but also about economic upliftment. The evenings come alive with cultural performances, adding rhythm and colour to the clay-scented air, while the theme pavilion takes visitors on a journey through the evolution of terracotta, from sacred rituals to contemporary artistry.
Odisha’s terracotta legacy is rooted in more than 40 craft clusters spread across its districts. Recognised among the 61 official handicrafts of the state, terracotta and pottery reflect both the soil and the soul of Odisha’s artistic identity. To support these artisans, the state government has gone beyond celebration to create real change, providing free stalls, travel expenses, daily allowances, and transportation for materials to all participants.
Further strengthening the handicraft ecosystem, the government has launched a series of developmental initiatives under the brand name ‘Srujanika.’ Common Facility Centres, Handicraft Tourism Centres, and Raw Material Banks are being set up in 28 key clusters, ensuring that artisans have access to infrastructure and resources that can help them thrive. The recent increase in artisans’ daily allowance for exposure visits outside the state, from ₹300 to ₹500 reflects a growing commitment to their welfare. In addition, 18 new training centres have been established across 17 districts to nurture young talent and preserve traditional knowledge.
Mruttika–2025 is not merely a marketplace, it is a movement to keep Odisha’s clay craft alive in both spirit and economy. As visitors stroll through rows of intricately crafted terracotta wonders, they witness a timeless dialogue between earth and art, between heritage and hope. Each creation is a testament to the enduring hands that mould not just clay, but the cultural legacy of an entire land.
