‘Rakhi Sambhar’ Stall by ORMAS Inaugurated for the First Time in Balasore : Gift hamper priced at ₹250
Balasore, 02/08 (Krushna Kumar Mohanty):
On the occasion of Rakhi Purnima, ORMAS (Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society) Balasore has launched a unique business initiative titled “Niara Rakhira Sambhar: Happiness is Handmade.” The initiative was inaugurated yesterday by Balasore Collector Suryabanshi Mayur Vikas.
This marks the first time such a stall has been set up in Balasore under government supervision. The primary aim is to provide a platform for local and rural Self Help Groups (SHGs), producer groups, and artisans to sell their handcrafted rakhis and other festive products through kiosks set up in the district and major towns.
The products available include items made from various natural and traditional materials such as sabai grass, golden grass, terracotta, bamboo, jute, chhau masks, and textiles—crafted into rakhis, patta paintings, and more. The raw materials and artistry have been sourced from multiple districts across Odisha, including Sabai grass from Mayurbhanj and Balasore, Golden grass from Kendrapara, Jajpur, and Jagatsinghpur, Pattachitra from Puri, Terracotta from Bargarh and Ganjam, Bamboo from Rayagada, and Paddy crafts from Balasore.
The gift hampers, attractively packed, include items such as a Shri Ganesh idol, handmade sweets (chocolates, millet laddus by SHGs), 2–3 rakhis, diya (lamp), face masks, and more. Individual rakhis are priced between ₹20 and ₹50, while the gift hampers are available in the range of ₹250 to ₹300. ORMAS is also overseeing the packaging and branding of the products.
According to a press release from the district administration, the stall will remain operational until 9th August 2025. The initiative has sparked notable enthusiasm and public interest across the region.
