Located in the cultural heart of Bhubaneswar, Ekamra Haat is more than just a market—it’s a living exhibition of Odisha’s rich cultural tapestry. Established by the Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Department of the Odisha Government, this open-air crafts village offers a unique opportunity for artisans and weavers from across the state to showcase their skills and sell their creations directly to the public.
In This Article:
What Makes Ekamra Haat Special
Sprawled across 5 acres near RajMahal Square and easily accessible from Bhubaneswar Railway Station, Ekamra Haat is a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. It houses:
- 42 permanent stalls and several temporary stalls for rotating exhibits
- Craftsmen from over 30 districts of Odisha
- Live demonstrations of pattachitra, applique work, terracotta, and stone carving
- Regular cultural programs, folk music, and dance performances
Empowering Odisha’s Artisans
The core purpose of Ekamra Haat is to empower rural artisans and promote traditional crafts by providing them a platform to sell their products without middlemen. The initiative has successfully revived interest in dying art forms like:
- Silver filigree work from Cuttack
- Palm leaf engraving from Ganjam
- Horn work from Paralakhemundi
- Sambalpuri and Bomkai handloom sarees
Craftsmen are rotated every 15 days to ensure equal opportunity for all regions of the state.
A Complete Experience for Tourists and Shoppers
Ekamra Haat is not only a shopping destination—it’s a cultural retreat:
- A food court serving authentic Odia cuisine including dalma, chakuli pitha, and mutton curry
- An open-air amphitheatre for performances
- Children’s play area and well-maintained green zones
- Workshops, buyer-seller meets, and seasonal exhibitions such as Sisir Saras and Toshali National Crafts Mela
Ekamra Haat and Bhubaneswar’s Smart Tourism Vision
As Bhubaneswar continues its evolution into a Smart Heritage City, Ekamra Haat plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. Its eco-friendly infrastructure, artisan-centric model, and community engagement make it a model for other states to emulate.
Moving Forward: A Celebration of Odisha’s Soul
Ekamra Haat is not merely a shopping complex—it is Odisha’s creative heartbeat. For anyone visiting Bhubaneswar, this marketplace offers a rare chance to interact with the artists, learn the stories behind their craft, and take home pieces of heritage. It is a shining example of how tradition can thrive in a modern, inclusive urban space.
By – Nikita