Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu was presented with special gifts reflecting Odisha’s handloom and handicraft traditions on Tuesday morning, during her three-day visit to the state.
Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati presented the gifts to the president at Lok Bhavan.
The gifts were given before the president left for Berhampur. Odisha’s First Lady, Dr. Jayashree Kambhampati, was present on the occasion.
The gifts included a National Handloom Award-winning Sambalpuri Bandha saree that also carries GI tag recognition.
They also included a traditional Chandua velvet stole from Pipili, and an idol of Lord Ganesha crafted using Cuttack’s fine silver filigree, known as tarakasi work.
In a post on X, Dr. Kambhampati said: Presented Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji, with a specially curated collection celebrating Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, including the National Handloom Award-winning Sambalpuri Bandha (Odisha Ikat) saree, a handcrafted Pipili Appliqué velvet uttariya and a Cuttack Silver Filigree idol of Lord Ganesha.
He added: “The Sambalpuri Bandha saree, honoured with the National Handloom Award, beautifully showcases Odisha’s 17 GI-tagged products through their names, motifs, GI logos and distinctive traditions. Together, these creations reflect the exceptional craftsmanship of Odisha’s artisans and the timeless traditions that continue to define the State’s rich cultural identity.”
The handcrafted items were said to represent Odisha’s craftsmanship, tradition, and artistic excellence, reflecting the state’s cultural heritage.
