Silver Filigree Heritage Centre in Cuttack to elevate Odisha’s craft to global platform

Bhubaneswar, Aug 5 (UNI) Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Parvati Parida today laid the foundation stone for the Silver Filigree Public Facility Centre at Bidanasi, Sector-6, Cuttack to preserve and globally promote the traditional silver filigree (locally known as Tarkashi) craftsmanship of the ‘Silver City’ Cuttack.

Parida said the initiative marks a significant step toward preserving Odisha’s heritage while empowering the local artisan community.

“This centre will become a laboratory for the next generation of filigree artisans. It will blend tradition with innovation and carve out a unique identity for Cuttack on the global stage,” she added.

The facility, spread over 1,500 sq. ft. and estimated to cost Rs 8.5 crore, will house state-of-the-art equipment, provide modern training to artisans, and offer integrated marketing support—all under one roof.

Highlighting the potential of the sector, the Deputy Chief Minister noted that while around 500 filigree artisans are currently active in Cuttack, the long-term goal is to expand this to 5,000 artisan families, thereby fostering sustainable livelihoods.

The facility will also serve as an artisan incubation hub, supporting start-ups and creative entrepreneurs.

In line with the government’s “Vocal for Local” and “Local to Global” initiatives, the centre is expected to evolve into a cultural tourism hotspot where visitors can witness live demonstrations of the intricate filigree-making process.

Parida emphasised that the Silver Filigree Centre would be developed as a Heritage Artisan Village, with construction scheduled for completion within the next eight months.

Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sophia Firdous, speaking at the event, remarked, “Silver Filigree will no longer be confined to ornaments—they will illuminate the lives of artisans and families in Cuttack.

This centre will help the city carve its own identity, much like Karimnagar and Bada Bazaar in Telangana.”

Cuttack MLA Prakash Chandra Sethi said the centre would play a crucial role in artisan training and skill enhancement.

Cuttack District Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde underlined the importance of the project, stating that it will help preserve the centuries-old filigree craftsmanship while equipping artisans with modern tools and techniques, thereby ensuring the sustainability and international recognition of this unique art form.