Bhubaneswar Apr 3: Odisha’s rich handloom tradition including Iconic handwoven textiles such as Kotpad Handloom, Gopalpur Tussar, Bamkei, Passapalli, Dhalapathar, Khandua patta, and Bandha sarees continue to gain national and international recognition. This strengthened the state’s cultural identity and boosted the economy and secured the prestigious GI tag, reinforcing their authenticity and significance.

The rising demand for handloom fabrics of odisha has positioned them as a crucial economic driver for the region. Leaders like President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, have been seen promoting Odisha’s traditional handloom by wearing and endorsing these elegant fabrics at various events. Odisha’s handloom sector has gained global appreciation and support. Odisha’s handloom sector is not only empowering artisans but also preserving heritage and contributing to India’s textile legacy.

The BJP government in Odisha has launched a unique initiative to promote the state's handloom industry in international markets. People are encouraged to wear traditional Odia attire to support this effort.

Odisha is rich in natural resources and invaluable mineral wealth. Odisha holds immense opportunities and potential. The traditional handloom industry of the state is evolving with time. It has now been introduced in fusion forms in the market. It is no longer limited to sarees and kurtas. Rather the handloom fabrics are now making their mark in modern Indo-Western attire.

The promotion of these fabrics is being carried out extensively at national and international levels through events like walkathons and marathons. The state government is taking significant steps to uplift Odisha's traditional apparel in the global market while boosting the economy of local artisans and the handloom sector. This initiative aims at providing a new direction to the rich craftsmanship and textile heritage of the state.