Bhubaneswar: Odisha Government is observing Odia Pakhya from April 1 to 14, a fortnight dedicated to celebrating the essence of Odisha. On the second day of the celebrations, the state witnessed a massive turnout for the “Ama Poshaka Ama Parichaya” (Our Attire, Our Identity) campaign. This initiative aims to highlight handloom as a symbol of the state’s cultural diversity and glorious heritage.
From the rural pockets of Odisha to the capital city of Bhubaneswar, citizens from all walks of life participated by wearing traditional handloom garments. At the Lok Seva Bhawan, the spirit of the campaign was clearly visible.
Shri Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary of Finance, who is known for his commitment to wearing handloom products, joined officers and staff of the Finance Department in wearing traditional attire to work. Their participation underscored the significance of handloom as a true reflection of Odia identity.
Across various districts, the day was marked by seminars titled “Handloom and Textile Industry of Odisha.” To engage the younger generation, exhibitions showcasing handicrafts and Pattachitra were organized, providing insights into the state’s rich artistic traditions. The beauty of Odia handloom was further complemented by traditional art forms like Jhoti, Chita, and Muruja. In a move to honor the creators behind the craft, members of various weavers’ cooperative societies were formally felicitated.
The youth and students participated enthusiastically by uploading selfies in their traditional outfits to the official website, odiapakhya.com, to receive digital certificates of participation.
The “Ama Poshaka Ama Parichaya” celebrations will continue tomorrow, April 3. Following this, the agenda for April 4 includes the “Khadi Chuan and Prabesha Utsav” organized by the School and Mass Education Department, alongside an initiative by the Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Department to promote the use of Odia on signboards.