Bhubaneswar: The state government has urged its employees as well as those working in the private organisations to wear handloom clothes on April 2 and 3 as part of the ongoing ‘Odia Pakhya’ celebration in Odisha.

The employees have been urged to wear traditional attire to celebrate the ‘Ama Posaka Ama Parichaya’ initiative by the Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department of the state government.

A communique in this regard has been sent to all departments as well as district collectors.

“Handloom products are part and parcel of our cultural heritage. The employees of the state government, private organisations and the common people have been urged to wear handloom clothes and participate in the Ama Posaka Ama Parichaya campaign,” said Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department in the letter.

Discounts at Boyanika outlets 

Besides, the employees have been urged to upload their selfies by wearing handloom clothes to the official website of Odia Pakhya (odiapakhya.com).

To promote handloom products among the people, all outlets of Boyanika, Utkalika, Resham Odisha and Sambalpuri Bastralaya are providing up to 30 per cent (20+10) discounts to the buyers. The rebate will continue till April 14, added the department.    

The state government is celebrating Odia Pakhya, a 14-day cultural festival, from April 1 to 14 across the state, to reconnect people with Odisha's rich cultural heritage and traditions.