Odisha was also referred to as Utkala, 'The land of excellence in Art'. A treasure trove of exquisite handicrafts, it also has a rich diversity of traditional art forms. Look out for a village where the work is actually produced with great reverence and creativity. The art of early sculptures and the superb carvings on temples in Odisha, a glorious tradition which reached the Zenith of its perfection during the Kharvel and Ganga kingdom is kept alive by the modern craftsmen of today.
The traditional tie and dye textiles with unique texture and designs from the western Odisha, particularly from Sambalpur are matchless. The folk craft and village figures replicated in brass, bell metal and the silver filigree work of Cuttack is outstanding. The brightly coloured wood carvings of the deities and the paper machie masks come from Odisha.
The applique work of pipili and the patta paintings of Raghurajpur are the most sought after souvenirs. Odisha offers a striking selection of decorative and utilitarian art and craft.