Toshali Fair | Handicrafts | 13 Things to Buy at Toshali Fair

My earliest memory of Toshali Mela or Toshali Fair is of munching Mathura cake or Odisha’s very own fried donut. I love Toshali Fair, not just because of the mouth watering food sold here but majorly for the the wonderful handicrafts and artsy stuff sold here by artisans from all over India. It is an annual national crafts fair organized by the Handloom, Textiles and Handicrafts department of Odisha. Held in winter, this is also one of the most awaited events in the “exhibition season” of the temple city of Bhubaneswar.

Toshali Fair - entrance to awesomeness
Enter Toshali Mela only to return with heavier bags and lighter pockets

From someone who has been a loyal visitor over the years, here is a list of 13 things to buy at Toshali Fair.

1# Papier-Mâché Beauties

Beautiful and vibrant Papier-Mache danglers for your car or home.

papier mache at Toshali Fair
Adorable Papier-Mâché parrots from Raghurajpur

2# Hand Painted Pots and Vases

Beautiful hand painted pots and vases to liven up your home! Tribal art or Aztec prints, you say it, they have it!

pots and vases handpainted at Toshali Fair
Hand painted vases with tribal art and Aztec pattern.
painted pots at Toshali Fair
Close-up of the vases with tribal painting. Such graceful art!

3# Pattachitra

Patta” means Canvas and “Chitra” means Painting. These traditional Pattachitras will bring out the true essence of an Odia household.

pattachitra at Toshali Fair
Pattachitra on a cloth, painted with stories from India mythology
Pattachitra with floral motifs

4# Vibrant Vintage

Trendy, vibrantly painted vintage items like kettle or lantern are a must-have to spice up your home.

Beautifully painted vintage kettle that will add a color punch to your living area
painted vintage at Toshali Fair
Vibrantly painted lantern at a stall at the Toshali Fair will lighten up dull corners of your room

5# Terracotta Statues

Terracotta Statues for your nook! Be it your balcony or bedroom.

terracotta statues at Toshali Fair
This terracotta statue of The Buddha promises peace

6# Earthen Ware

Wide variety of earthen ware ranging from lamps, water pots, plates and bowls are sold at Toshali Fair.

earthen ware
Earthen worship ware – Frankincense holder and lamps

7# Terracotta Animals

Adorable terracotta animals are a big hit at the Toshali Fair. Animals like horses and elephants having intricate designs can be seen in large numbers.

animal figurines
Terracotta royal elephants for that regal spot in your place

8# Terracotta Decoratives

Beautiful and elegant figurines for decoration.

figurines
Graceful figurines for sale at Toshali Fair

9# Scarves and Stoles for all occasions

Fabulous scarves and stoles in a wide-variety of colors and designs. Simply, Mix-and-match with your dress.

scarves and stoles for all occasions
Scarves and stoles to go with every dress in your wardrobe.

10# Cool Cane Products

Daily use cane products for your everyday needs, be it bread basket or flower bouquet.

cane ware at Toshali Mela
An assortment of cane products sold at a stall at Toshali Fair

11# DIY 3D Cardboard Animals

Cool, Do-It-Yourself cardboard animals for you and your kids. Buy it, assemble it and play with it!

DIY assembly
DIY cardboard elephant

12# 3D Paintings

Wonderful 3D paintings

3D paintings at Toshali Mela
3D painting of a scene from Krishnaleela

13# Traditional Palm Leaf Painting or Pattachitra

Toshali Fair - palm leaf pattachitra
Odisha’s traditional palm leaf pattachitra

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