BHUBANESWAR: The Toshali Craft Mela will be organised this year from December 15 to 17.
A decision to this effect was taken at a high level meeting presided over by Chief Secretary AP Padhi at the Secretariat. Reviewing the progress made in the preparations so far, Padhi directed departments concerned to focus on traffic regulation and fire safety.
The theme pavilion will showcase ‘IKAT’ weaving of the State. There will be a separate stall to showcase men’s wear developed by organisations like Utkalika, Boyanika, Amlan and Sambalpuri Bastralaya.
There will be around 445 stalls in this year’s mela from among which 150 stalls will be from other States. The Mela will have a food court with 30 established hoteliers and restaurants who will cater to various Odishi and other delicacies.
Cultural programmes will be held every day from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm in collaboration with Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy and Department of Culture. The major attractions for this year are expected to be Ananya Sritam Nanda, Indian Idol Junior, 2015 and an exquisite fashion show.
It has been decided to keep the entire mela under CCTV surveillance with monitoring from the central control room.
Besides, facilities like first aid, ambulance service, wheel chairs for old and differently-abled persons, free accommodation to artisan and weavers will be made available in the mela. The play zone for children will also be available in the mela.
Secretary, Handloom and Textiles Smt Arumugam said last year, the total footfall in the mela was around 11 lakhs and this year, it is expected to go up to 12 lakhs.
Police Commissioner Dr RP Sharma, who was also present in the meeting, said adequate security and traffic arrangements will be made in and around the mela.