Newly renamed Odisha, formerly known as Orissa, will kick off it’s 6th annual Toshali National Crafts Mela on December 15, 2011. The 13 day event, organized by Orissa Tourism Development Corporation, will be held in the state capital city of Bhubaneswar at Janata Maidan.

Toshali National Crafts Mela will bring together nearly 200 artists, painters, weavers, sculptors and craftsmen from around India. The annual event gives tourists and visitors a chance to meet nationally and internationally acclaimed craftsman as well as the opportunity to purchase their unique items.

Odisha Tourism adds, “Various stalls display some of the best handicrafts and handlooms of India like cane craft from North East, chiki woodcraft from Kashmir, wood and cane inlay work from South India, oxidized jewellery, sea-shell decorations from Rajasthan, patola and bandhni from Gujarat and Rajasthan, ikat of Odisha, chikan from Lucknow, kantha from Tripura & West Bengal, kanjeevaram from the South.”

Entertainment for 2011 will build on the standard traditional dance and music performances. Popular comedian Ehsaan Qureshi will hit the stage on December 16. Well known singer Anuradha Paudwal will perform on December 18. And Sudesh Bhosle will sing on December 21. All acts will start at 6:30.

Toshali National Crafts Mela 2011 will run from 15 December to 27 December.