CRAFT STORY
A Story that can inspire hearts and bring a joy among many faces.
APPLIQUE CRAFTS
GOLDEN GRASS CRAFTS
Golden Grass handicrafts are traditional eco-friendly products made from Kaincha grass, a naturally golden-hued wild grass found abundantly in the wetlands of Odisha, especially in Kendrapara and Jajpur districts. Artisans, mostly women, skillfully weave this grass into beautiful and sustainable items such as baskets, mats, boxes, coasters, hats, bags, and home decor products. This craft is not only a symbol of Odisha’s rural ingenuity but also a source of livelihood and empowerment for women artisans. The products are biodegradable, lightweight, and visually appealing, making them popular in both domestic and international markets.
JUTE CRAFTS
Jute was historically cultivated more extensively in Bengal. Odisha’s association with natural fibers is deeply rooted in traditional practices of rope making, mat weaving, and utility crafts. The widespread adoption of Jute as a craft material in Odisha began during the late 20th century, driven by rural development missions, women’s empowerment programs, and the rising demand for eco-friendly alternatives to plastic. Jute crafts in Baleshwar, Odisha, represent a vibrant blend of traditional artistry and sustainable innovation. Baleshwar emerge Women artisans began exploring its artistic potential and began crafting utility and lifestyle products such as folders, handbags, coasters, wall hangings, and gift items using both raw and dyed jute fibers.
STONE CRAFTS
Odisha has a centuries-old legacy of stone craftsmanship, with its majestic temples like Konark, Lingaraj, and Mukteswar standing as living monuments to the state’s sculptural brilliance. The stone artisans of Baleshwar, Odisha have carved a remarkable legacy through their contributions to some of the most prestigious temples in India and across the world like Jagannath Temple replicas across India and overseas, Akshardham Temples in Delhi and Gujarat, ISKCON Temple Networks in countries like the USA and UK, Ram Mandir in Ayodhya etc. Beyond India, their work adorns temples in Southeast Asia and Europe, including regions like Malaysia, Mauritius, Fiji, and Germany, where Odia stone craftsmanship is celebrated for its aesthetic depth and spiritual resonance.
SABAI GRASS CRAFTS
Sabai Grass was primarily used for rope-making and served as raw material for paper production. Over time, local communities began crafting utilitarian items such as baskets, mats, and coasters. Sabai Grass Craft is deeply embedded in the traditions of Northern Odisha, especially within the Baleshwar District. In Baliapal, a coastal block in Baleshwar district, the tradition of weaving Sabai grass into baskets, mats, and daily-use items has developed into a community-driven livelihood. The women-led clusters in Baliapal have played a crucial role in sustaining and reviving this natural fiber craft.
SOFT TOYS CRAFTS
Soft toys, commonly associated with play and comfort, have evolved into a significant livelihood activity in Odisha. Primarily driven by women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and grassroots artisans, this craft sector has emerged as a means of economic empowerment, especially in districts like Baleshwar, Mayurbhanj, and Khurda. These hand-stitched toys often made from cotton, jute, and upcycled textile materials reflect a fusion of local aesthetics, storytelling, and market-oriented design. Initially focused on basic doll-making, the craft has grown to include animals, cartoon characters, educational shapes, keychains, and festive decorations. Artisans often use recycled cloth and fiber, contributing to sustainability while creating colorful, child-friendly designs.
PLAM LEAF CRAFTS
Palm Leaf Craft, locally known as Talapatra Chitra, is one of Odisha’s oldest and most revered art forms, deeply rooted in the cultural and religious fabric of the region. Dating back to ancient times, this craft involves etching intricate motifs, stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and temple architecture onto dried palm leaves. Palm leaf gift boxes are a modern adaptation of this traditional craft, combining sustainability, aesthetics, and cultural significance. These boxes are handcrafted by artisans, often from rural or tribal areas of Odisha, and are becoming increasingly popular for eco-conscious gifting.
PATTACHITRA CRAFTS
Pattachitra, one of the oldest and most revered traditional art forms of Odisha, dates back over a thousand years. Rooted deeply in the religious traditions of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Pattachitra is not just an art form but a visual expression of devotion, mythology, and folklore. Pattachitra is not just decorative, it is sacred, narrative, and educative. It encapsulates the Odia people’s cultural consciousness and religious devotion. Today, it stands as a proud symbol of Odisha’s artistic heritage.In recent decades, Pattachitra has moved beyond temple rituals to become a commercial craft. Artists now paint on tussar silk, canvas, and even utility items like bookmarks, trays, and apparel. The art has gained international recognition and is promoted by government bodies, NGOs, and platforms like Haven Crafts to ensure its sustainability and global reach.