Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on January 19 visited Prayagraj and reviewed the ODOP exhibition set up in the fair area. He said that the ODOP exhibition is a landmark effort to promote the state’s handicrafts and cottage industries.
During his visit, he also encouraged the artisans by visiting their stalls from across the state. While boosting the morale of these skilled craftsmen, he said, “The ODOP exhibition at Mahakumbh is a unique opportunity for them to showcase their products. Over 45 crore devotees from across the country and the world will be attending the Mahakumbh. The ODOP exhibition provides an opportunity to display the state’s talent to such a large audience and serves as a golden chance for branding their products, increasing income, and creating employment.”
He further mentioned that UPs One District One Product (ODOP) initiative has made a global impact. Through this exhibition, small district-level entrepreneurs and artisans will explore global business opportunities during the 45-day Mahakumbh. This will give wings to their businesses and create new employment opportunities.
The grand ODOP exhibition is being held in a 6000 square meter area at the Sangam in Prayagraj. It features products such as carpets, zari-zardosi, glass toys from Firozabad, wooden toys from Banaras, and other handicraft items, attracting the attention of devotees.
An ODOP exhibition was also held in 2019, generating a business worth Rs 4.3 crore, and this year, the expected business is estimated to reach Rs 35 crore. This will open new directions for employment and small entrepreneurs, creating fresh business and job opportunities.
The artisans of Kashi have showcased 75 products at the exhibition, including wooden toys, Banarasi brocade, metal repousse, and metal casting. Under the ODOP scheme, 75 GI products from Uttar Pradesh are being displayed. These include Banarasi sarees, Amla from Pratapgarh, brassware from Mirzapur, and terracotta from Gorakhpur. Carpets from Kushinagar and glass toys and utensils from Firozabad are also major attractions at the exhibition. Out of these 75 GI products, 34 are from the Kashi region.
Mahakumbh 2025 is not only strengthening the spiritual and cultural identity but has also become a vast platform for entrepreneurs, where people from across the country and abroad are admiring and purchasing the artisans’ products.
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