CUTTACK: In a unique display of the state’s artistic heritage, the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) is setting up its control room replicating the entrance (Mukhashala) of the Lingaraj temple, at Balijatra this year.
Measuring 45 ft x 45 ft x 40 ft, the control room will have three rooms for office, coordination, information centre and conference hall for conducting workshops and meetings. This is not the first time that ORMAS’ control room is featuring the state’s treasures. Last year, the organisation had made its control room on the Dhauli Shanti Stupa theme and the year before, it had replicated the Konark Sun temple.
Joint CEO, ORMAS, Cuttack Bipin Rout said this year’s control room replicating the Lingaraj temple entrance hall will highlight the art, culture and sculpture of the state, thus adding a spiritual and cultural dimension to the visitors’ experience.
“The theme-based control room that we come up with during Balijatra is quite popular among the masses as they go viral on social media every year. People visiting will get to know interesting details on the shrine,” he added.
Over 525 stalls including food stalls will be set up at the national-level Pallishree Mela, showcasing an exceptional array of handloom, handicraft, regional food and spices, capturing the soul of rural Odisha and bringing together artisans and craftsmen from 24 states across the country, Rout said.
“Themed stalls will display diversified rural products such as terracotta items, Khandua sarees and millet-based foods. Rural industrial parks will provide beauty parlour services and they will be managed by women-led community-based organisations,” he added.