Special Handicrafts to Buy from Bhubaneswar

Famously known as ‘City of Temples’, Bhubaneswar is far famed for its unique art and craft as well. A wide range of local handicrafts such as wood work, stone carving, silver filigree jewellery, chandua, dhokra, brass and bell metal work and patta chitra paintings etc. is available in this part of Odisha. City of Bhubaneswar houses skilled artisans who possess expertise in creating unique handicrafts following traditional craft forms of this region. Read on to know more about these special handicrafts which are amongst best items one must pick as souvenirs from Bhubaneswar.   

Stone Sculpture and Seashell Items  

Stone carving has been tradition of this region and this is the reason why stone sculpture is lively present in every part of Bhubaneswar. A number of famous monuments and temples in Bhubaneswar represent culmination of stone sculpture in this region. And still, local craftsmen of this region are practicing this ancient art of the stone carving and producing exclusive stone sculptures. In fact, at every handicraft shop, you may find a number of beautiful stone sculptures of God and Goddesses. Another beautiful thing that you can’t ignore in this coastal city is presence of attractive seashell items at most of the handicraft showrooms. You may find numerous seashells in various shapes and sizes at local shops of this city. Besides, a wide range of decorative pieces and other utility items including specially purses, jewelry boxes, mirrors, lampshades, tabletops and fruit baskets made of seashells make a prefect option of shopping to go for. 

Silver Filigree Jewellery

Silver filigree work, locally known as ‘Tarakasi’ is the most special and exquisite traditional craft of Bhubaneswar. Tarakasi or silver filigree is ancient craft of Orissa region and has been internationally acclaimed for its unique craftsmanship. It is one of the major export items of Odisha state. Silver filigree items like jewellery, gift articles and show pieces etc. are exclusively made by soldering fine strands of pure beaten silver in beautiful and attractive designs. And prominent of all, silver filigree jewellery is much popular among tourists and visitors. Apart from Government run emporium, there are several local handicraft shops present in Bhubaneswar selling beautiful silver filigree jewellery and handicrafts. So, don’t miss out buying special silver filigree jewellery during your trip to Bhubaneswar.

Metal and Applique Work

Brass and bell metal work of this region is superb. A wide range of metal based handicrafts is easily available in markets of Bhubaneswar. Brass and metal ware are among those most popular shopping items in Bhubaneswar which are majorly known for their exclusive crafting. Metal sculpture, masks and figurines, known as ‘Dhokra’ are also one of the most popular local handicrafts of this region. Folk artisans of this region are engaged in Dhokra work but this traditional craft is now limited to small villages only.  ‘Chandua’ is applique worked fabric which is also one of the most favored handicrafts of Bhubaneswar. Chandua handiwork is traditional craft of Orissa and is famous for its unique colorful applique work. In this craft, unique patches of colored beautiful fabrics are stitched on the basic fabric to make it much more attractive.

Exclusive Woodwork

Wood carving is another one of the most famous local crafts of Bhubaneswar and represents artistic expertise of the local artisans. As you go through handicraft shops in Bhubaneswar, a wide range of wooden handicrafts including beautiful lampshades, colorful wooden toys, fruit baskets, bargah masks, idols and jewelry boxes etc. immediately catches your eyes at first glance. And specialty of these exclusive wooden handicrafts is their manufacturing. These fine examples of exquisite woodwork are specially made of light wood and mineral colors are used to make them much more attractive and unique as well. 

Patta Chitra Paintings

Patta Chitra Paintings are one of the far famed handicrafts of Bhubaneswar. This painting is well known form of traditional handicrafts of Orissa. It has been an integral part of culture of this city. With the time, patta chitra paintings have become much popular and got recognition on national and international both levels encouraging artists of the region. Bright color schemes, unique pictorial concept, line formation and distinct technique of painting make these patta chitra paintings unique and attractive. Especially, for art collectors, these paintings are one of the unique handicrafts to buy from Bhubaneswar. Apart from that, palm leaf painting is another traditional form of Patta Chitra painting done on palm leaf with etching. 

Apart from these above mentioned handicrafts, several others like terracotta figurines, bamboo and grass mats, horn work and paper mache masks make a long list to choose from. Utkalika, Ekamra Haat, Orissa State Handlooms Weavers Co-operative Society Ltd., Orissa Art & Craft, Sudarshan Art & Craft Village and Orissa Modern Art Gallery are some of the well known handicraft showrooms and emporiums in Bhubaneswar where one can find all local handicrafts of this region at one place.