Events and Updates
Know how Haven Crafts is contributing towards the betterment of the society.
Identifying Challenges in Cane and Terracotta Crafts of Talabasta
Date: 16 May 2025
Venue: Kalinga Nagar, Jajpur, Odisha
Kalinga Nagar, an industrial region in Jajpur district of Odisha, has undergone significant transformation due to rapid industrialization. The displacement of tribal communities in this region has not only disrupted their traditional livelihoods but also endangered their rich heritage of tribal art and craft. These art forms rooted in nature, folklore, and ritualistic practices are now at the brink of extinction due to socio-economic instability, lack of patronage, and market disconnect.
Identifying Challenges in Cane and Terracotta Crafts of Talabasta
Date: 13 May 2025
Venue: Talabasta, Cuttack, Odisha
Talabasta village in the Banki sub-division of Cuttack district, Odisha, is home to traditional artisans skilled in cane weaving and terracotta pottery. These eco-friendly crafts represent Odisha’s rich heritage and offer significant livelihood opportunities. However, the artisans face multiple challenges in terms of raw material, market access, and skill enhancement. Haven Crafts, a social enterprise committed to artisan empowerment, has initiated field visits, skill awareness drives, and strategic interventions to support these crafts.
Reviving the Soft Toys Craft of Baleshwar
Date: 12 May 2025
Venue: Sunhat, Baleshwar, Odisha
The soft toys craft of Baleshwar, Odisha, is a lesser-known but promising livelihood activity that has been practiced in small pockets by women and youth from economically weaker sections. Using simple tools, fabrics, stuffing materials, and creative stitching techniques, local artisans craft a variety of soft toys including animals, dolls, and utility-based items like cushions and puppets. This craft not only preserves cultural motifs but also serves as a potential home-based income source for rural households.
Addressing Silicosis Concerns at Stone Craft Village
Date: 17 April 2025
Venue: Baulagadia, Soro, Baleshwar, Odisha
Haven Crafts, in collaboration with Odisha Shilpi Mahasangha, visited the stone carving artisan community of Baulagadia, Balasore, to address the critical health challenges faced by traditional craftsmen—particularly the rise in silicosis caused by prolonged exposure to fine stone dust. The team engaged in meaningful dialogue with artisans, visited the family of a deceased artisan, and organized a felicitation ceremony to honor his legacy.Â
This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring dignity, safety, and long-term recognition for India’s traditional artisans.
Challenges in Jute Crafts of Baleshwar
Date: 9 April 2025
Venue: Basta, Baleshwar, Odisha
Jute crafts in Baleshwar, Odisha, represent a vibrant blend of traditional artistry and sustainable innovation. Local artisans skillfully transform natural jute fibers into a diverse array of eco-friendly products, including handbags, baskets, decorative items, and home accessories. These creations often feature intricate designs and embellishments, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage. The jute craft industry in Balasore not only preserves traditional skills but also promotes sustainable livelihoods, making it a significant facet of the region’s socio-economic fabric.
Terracotta Workshop by Haven Crafts
Date: 05 April 2025 to 15 May 2025
Venue: PM Shri School Campus, Panikoili, Jajpur, Odisha
Craft is not just about creating products—it’s about shaping stories, values, and futures. At Haven Crafts, we believe every child deserves to learn through the hands that carry centuries of tradition.Â
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As part of our ongoing mission to preserve traditional Indian craftsmanship and inspire the younger generation, Haven Crafts successfully conducted a Terracotta Workshop at PM Shri School, Panikoili, Jajpur, Odisha.
Empowering Golden Grass Artisans in Champapur
Date: 30 March 2025
Venue: Champapur, Jajpur, Odisha
Golden Grass, locally known as Kaincha, is a naturally occurring wild grass found in the marshy regions of Odisha, particularly in districts like Jajpur, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur. Upon drying, this grass attains a golden hue, making it ideal for crafting a variety of eco-friendly products such as baskets, mats, coasters, hats, and decorative items. Traditionally, women artisans have passed down the skills of harvesting, splitting, dyeing, and weaving this grass through generations, creating sustainable livelihoods and preserving cultural heritage .
Understanding Stone Carving Artisans' Challenges
Date: 27 March 2025
Venue: Hadapada, Malipada, Khorda, Odisha
Hadapada village, located in the Khurda district of Odisha. Known for its legacy in stone carving, the village holds generations of skilled artisans who continue to struggle due to lack of systemic support. The objective of the visit was to assess the ground realities, identify key challenges, and propose sustainable interventions for the revival of this heritage craft.