This e-mail originated from outside of Times Of India And TimesGroup. Exercise caution before you click on any link or open attachments.Manabesh MohantyTNNBhubaneswar: Handcrafted tribal products are sales like hot cakes at the ongoing Toshali Swadeshi Mela here with visitors thronging stalls showcasing indigenous art and eco-friendly merchandise.From jute bags and handwoven textiles to traditional jewellery and décor items, products made by tribal artisans have emerged as major crowd-pullers this year. Organisers said the sales of tribal products alone have touched nearly Rs 1.5 lakh within the first few days of the fair.Among the popular stalls is that of Aman Munda from Ranchi, Jharkhand, who has participated in the mela for the first time, His collection of jute bags, handcrafted by tribal women, is drawing significant attention for its intricate designs and durability. The price range of the bags varies between Rs 100 and Rs 700, making them affordable for a wide range of customers.“People are now more inclined towards eco-friendly and handmade products. Our jute bags are made entirely by tribal women artisans, and the response this year has been overwhelming,” said Aman Munda. “We have already recorded 90 percent sales, and footfall is increasing every evening.” added Munda.Visitors said they prefer buying directly from artisans as it ensures authenticity and supports local communities. “These products are unique and reflect our rich tribal heritage. I bought two jute bags and some handcrafted ornaments. The pricing is reasonable and quality is excellent,” said Suchismita Das, a visitor at the mela.Another stall from Mayurbhanj district is showcasing Sabai grass baskets, mats and utility items, intricately woven by tribal self-help groups.“The eco-friendly products, priced between Rs 150 and Rs 1,200, are witnessing steady sales. urban customers are increasingly opting for sustainable home décor, we had brought 2.5 lakh products almost all are sold out, ” said Sananda Marandi, a craft shop owner and also an artist.“We wait for Toshali Swadeshi Mela every year because it gives us direct access to customers without middlemen. The appreciation we receive for our handmade terracotta products motivates us to continue our traditional craft and train the younger generation,” said , Laxman Majhi, a tribal artisan from Keonjhar“ By the end of Monday, total business transactions have reached Rs 15 crore, reflecting the growing market acceptance of indigenous crafts. Our focus remains on providing sustained platforms and better market linkages to empower SC and ST artisans economically,” said Poonam Guha, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the SC & ST Development Department.With steady footfall and rising demand, tribal stalls are expected to clock even higher sales in the coming days of the fair. The fair will conclude on February 26.
