World Trade Center Bhubaneswar in association with EDII Ahmedabad and Department of Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, Government of Odisha had organized a weaver centric event last year named "We for Weavers" at Kala Bhoomi, Bhubaneswar. The program aimed to uplift and bring to the forefront the potential of the weavers of the State. The initiative was highly appreciated and successful one with the weavers getting due platform for showcasing their products and also being felicitated by the then Hon'ble Governor of the State Prof. Ganeshi Lal ji. They were also seen to have increased revenue resources because of the recognition they received. 

As a next step forward and to carry forward the initiative to a next level, World Trade Center Bhubaneswar in collaboration with Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, KIIT School of Fashion Technology organized Utkal Mahotsav 2023 – from Farm to Fashion.

The first day of the two days extravaganza kicked off with an Inaugural Ceremony which was graced by the esteemed presence of Smt. Sulochana Das, Mayor, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation as the Chief Guest. The session was also graced by Smt. Minati Behera, Chairperson, State Women’s Commission, Prof. BB Jena, Chairman, Indian Textiles Association – Odisha Chapter, Dr. Subrata Biswal, Regional Director – Eastern Region, Entrepreneurship Institute of India (EDII), Shri. Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar, KIIT University, Smt. Rina Routray, Advisor, WTC Bhubaneswar Women Forum & Shri. Bishnu Panda, Project Director, EDII.

The esteemed dignitaries further inaugurated the Exhibition Area with a ribbon cutting ceremony and visited the stalls by the weavers and artisans from various corners of the State.

Smt. Sulochana Das, Mayor, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation in her address said “This program shall go a long way in promoting and empowering the weaving community. While it is necessary to provide them the necessary training, bank loan facilitation, raw materials procurement as well as marketing support and such initiatives inspire them and help them to upscale. The State Government is doing a lot for this sector and it is our collective responsibility to promote the art and culture of the state while popularizing it within India and abroad.”

Smt. Gipshita Nayak, Deputy Director, KIIT School of Fashion Technology in her address deliberated that “We are delighted that we got the opportunity to collaborate as a partner to this wonderful initiative. 50 stalls have been set up at Campus – 3 ground with a large number of weavers and artisans coming in and displaying their collection from all over the state. The program has been vibrant with visitors from various parts of the state and cultural programs being a massive attraction among the masses.”

Smt. Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director, World Trade Center Bhubaneswar in her address said “Utkal Mahotsav 2023 has been a lucrative program for the weavers and artisans of the state. This has been one of many initiatives to promote the sector and uplift the artisans while accelerating Handloom exports from the state. We at WTC Bhubaneswar have been periodically working towards handholding MSMEs and touch base the issues which act as a roadblock for International Trade”

The event witnessed fashion walk by eminent personalities of the state, cultural programs by the weavers as well as the participants. Further, fashion shows by eminent designers of the state as well as EDII showcasing Odisha Handloom, Interactive Sessions with the weavers were also conducted during the program.

The program was held on 22^nd – 23^rd December 2023 at Campus – 3, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar.