OdishaPlus Bureau
A haven for art and crafts lovers and handloom enthusiasts, Ekamra Haat is one of the unique urban marketplaces setup by the Government of Odisha to promote not just local handicrafts but artisans all across Odisha. Located in Bhubaneswar, the Haat draws people from Odisha as well as outside the state.
Established on the model of Delhi Haat, Ekamra Haat was launched on 2nd November 2002 by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Initially started with 50 stalls, 33 more stalls were added in a semi permanent structure later on, to create an exhibition like ambience in the Ekamra Haat. Presently, the Haat consists of over 80 stalls showcasing fine handcrafts, Handloom, and Odia Food.
Handicrafts & Handloom
Unlike any other exhibition, the Haat has permanent stalls for Odisha Art & Craft, magnificent Sambalpuri and Berhampuri handloom, Terracotta items, Odia cuisine, food stalls, Library and Amphitheatre. Designed in a way to portray a rural market, the stalls at Ekamra Haat are made to look like village huts.
“Customers love to buy different types of earthen items. We sell glasses, cups and terracotta utensils, puja items,” says Terracotta craftsman, Arjun Rana.
“As Odisha is known for its unique art and culture, so, the main motive behind Ekamra Haat is to represent our historic art and culture. Visitors can enjoy an amazing ambiance along with the work of Odisha artists and artisans. It has an open-air auditorium ‘Muktakasa’ which hosts cultural events,” said Visitor, Smita Satpathy.
Bibek Kumar, a Visitor, said, “Whenever I visit any place, I look for handmade products. When I landed at Bhubaneswar I wanted to visit an authentic market to buy items made by Odisha artists. So, we headed for shopping to Ekamra Haat. Most of the items are eco-friendly made with expertise and creativity. While Delhi Haat is famous for food, Ekamra Haat offers a wide range of crafts.”
Stalls for Artisans & Craftsmen
“Under Mission Shakti, Women Self Help Groups and producers groups, artisans, craftsmen and weavers, cooperative societies etc showcase and sell their products inside the Ekamra Haat. The destination is trying to popularise them. We provide free entry and open space to artisans and later we allow them stalls as per availability,” informs Sanatan Nayak, Director of Handicrafts, Government of Odisha.
Hub of Odissi Food
“The Haat consists of 10 food stalls serving South Indian, North Indian, and Odissi food. Besides, an upmarket coffee outlet and other finger foods are also available at Ekamra Haat” adds Sanatan Nayak.
Bikash Das, a visitor exclaimed, “Local Odia food including Dalma, Saga Muga, Pakhala, Badi Chura, etc is available here at a reasonable price, and the servers are very polite. The place is very calm.”
Hangout in Bhubaneswar
“It gives the feeling of Rural Haat to the Urban population especially for people coming from a rural background, who are exposed to Haat culture before. The small time craftsmen and artists get an opportunity to demonstrate and sell their handicrafts,” opines Asit Mohanty, Senior Journalist, and Writer. “We can find various traditional gift items at the Ekamra Haat,” he adds.
People prefer a place with a good and beautiful atmosphere amid the hustle and bustle of city life and hence, Ekamra Haat has become a hangout hotspot in Bhubaneswar. Having a peaceful environment, the Haat offers lush green lawn, snacks, coffee, and shopping with family and friends. It is a must visit tourist destination for visitors to Odisha.