This is one exhibition that is completely true to its name. If you come here expecting to see crafts from other states you will be disappointed as this one is completely vintage Orrisa at its best. Holding center stage are arguably the most recognized symbols of this State - the three deities of the Puri temple-Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra.

Utkalika is a tribute to the skilled craftsmen of Orissa and is the Orissa State Handicrafts Development Board. Says Saumyendra Mishra, Branch Manager, "all our artistes are from Orissa and are here for a direct sale without intervention of middlemen which means the pricing is very reasonable."

What strikes you immediately are the riot of colour manifested in the applique work umbrellas and lamp sets from Pipli.  This work known for its folk character and vitality manifests the cultural heritage of the State like no other.

Unique designs

Using traditional and modern motifs in the design, these pieces often embellished with mirrors and exquisite embroidery are sure to catch your attention. Wooden toys, artifacts and utility items made from local wood are also on display here.

You can also get yourself the wood replicas of the Gods of the Puri temple. If you are looking for fine jewellery, check the silver filigree, locally called tarakasi from Cuttack.

The process consists of drawing silver through a series of consecutively smaller holes to produce fine strands of wire.

These wires are then made into various shapes by deft hands of the craftsmen by bending them into different patterns and the premise is that is light weight but ornate. You can find exquisite pendants, chains, finger and toe rings and earrings as well as sets here.

Must see

Another must see is the stone carved idols, a major handicraft of Orissa. These are made from the soft white soapstone, or Khadipathara, as well as the harder greenish chlorite or Kochilapathara and the harder pinkish Khandolite or Sahanapathara or Baulapathara and the hardest black granite or mugunipathara.

Also available is Dhokara art and jewellery. The specially is that each individual piece is cast separately and the mould is broken each time making every statue unique with its own character. Painting is another art said to be as old as Orissa's sculpture. So you have the Bhitichitra or the murals, the pata or the cloth painting and the Talpatachitra or the palm leaf engraving here.

The colours used are vivid with red, ochre, indigo, green, black and white and each outline clearly and strongly defined.

Traditional craft

The Patachitras are paintings on cloth prepared by a mixture of vegetable glue and turmeric seed powder that give a leathery finish. The palm leaf engraving is another traditional craft that is on display here.

Check out the depiction of the Dashavataras or 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu in the form of a wall hanging. As far as clothes are concerned, check the traditional sarees, salwar kameez sets and fabrics available in cotton and silk. These are from Sonepuri and Sambalpuri and have the traditional Ikkat design on them. This stall actually has a saree that has won the national award and costs a whopping Rs. 75000!

The best part about this exhibition is that you can see a live demonstration of the crafts by the crafts persons themselves. There is a 20 per cent discount on handlooms and 10 percent discount on handicrafts.

Catch this one at HSR Club, Sector 3, HSR Layout till January 13.