Odisha Crafts Museum has emerged as a treasure trove for handicrafts and handloom

Bhubaneswar:11/6/18; Odisha Crafts Museum (Kala Bhoomi), located at Talabania near Gandamuda, along the Pokhariput-Khandagiri Road, has emerged as a treasure trove for handicrafts and handloom.The Odisha Crafts Museum showcases the craftsmanship with their breath-taking masterpieces to the visitirs. Divided into eight separate sections, the museum has tried to encapsulate the living traditions of a multitude of cultures residing in extreme corners of the State. The architectural style of the edifice is an imitation of the traditional Odia type of household, with similar courtyards and corridors connecting the galleries.The crafts of Odisha are a household name in every nook and corner of the country. The age-old practice of sculpting, weaving and painting has generated scores of handicrafts and handlooms that explicitly reflects the diverse culture of the state.Odisha Crafts Museum is the first of its kind to be established in the State. With its chief purpose of promoting state crafts, the museum will also serve as a repository of ageless artefacts from all districts of the State. The entire property of 12.68 acres has been aptly named as “Kala Bhoomi” referring it to be a significant cultural hub of the city.

The entire establishment, along with the museum, also includes an amphitheatre for cultural performances, a souvenir shop and workshop for live demonstrations of the artworks and a cafeteria.It’s pertinent to note here that by naming the Odisha Crafts Museum as “Kala Bhoomi’’ the authorities have perhaps tried to revive the name of ancient Odisha as “Utkala’’ in which “kala’’ or art had reached its pinnacle of success (Utkarsh in Odia). There would be craft workshops, crafts bazaar, cultural performances, traditional food, live music, storytelling sessions and quiz episodes on regular basis at the venue.