Among the many distinctive features of Gorakhpur, the clay handicraft ‘Terracotta’ is once again ready to shine on the global stage. 4 special stalls featuring terracotta products from Gorakhpur will be set up at the fourth edition of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS), to be organized from September 25 to 29 at the India Expo Center and Mart in Greater Noida. Through this international platform, local terracotta artisans and entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to connect directly with national and international buyers, exporters, and major business houses.
Since being included under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, this traditional craft has received a new lease of life, ushering in a new era of economic prosperity and social recognition for artisans and entrepreneurs.
This time, 4 terracotta stalls from Gorakhpur will be a major attraction at the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show. Direct branding of these products before foreign delegates and major corporate buyers attending the trade show is also expected to open new export avenues.
Among the artisans and entrepreneurs selected by the Industries Department to set up stalls at UPITS are Deepika Singh, who makes terracotta jewelry and home decoration products under the banner of M/s Atrangi Kalakari; Sunita Maurya of Ritika Kritika Creation; Kamlesh Tiwari of Gift City; and Komal Maddheshiya of M/s Roshni Ek Umeed Trust.
Deputy Commissioner of Industries Ujjwal Singh said that the terracotta stalls at the International Trade Show will not only showcase the hard work and craftsmanship of artisans from Gorakhpur, but will also prove that if traditional skills receive the right policy, technology and market support, even clay can turn into gold. The opportunity at UPITS will also be highly significant in promoting exports of Gorakhpur’s terracotta.
Aurangabad village in Bhathat block is considered the native village of terracotta craft. Terracotta work has been carried out for generations in Aurangabad and the surrounding villages. In 2018, the Chief Minister launched the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, and terracotta was declared Gorakhpur’s ODOP product.
Under the scheme, artisans received facilities such as electrically operated potter’s wheels, pugmills, and subsidized loans. While this increased production capacity, the Yogi government also promoted terracotta through major platforms. As a result, its demand continued to increase. With business growth, terracotta artisans’ standard of living has improved significantly.
Several artisans who once worked in thatched huts have now built permanent workshops and houses. The new generation, which once distanced itself from this clay-based work, is now actively contributing to the family trade after learning modern design.
4 terracotta stalls to be set up at the ‘Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show’ in Greater Noida
Inclusion in ODOP brings prosperity to the lives of terracotta artisans and entrepreneurs
