Punekars and their never-ending love for unique Indian handicrafts is a love story that will resonate with everyone. Talking about handicrafts, patrons of Indian history, traditional art and craft are in for a delight! As Utkalika, a beautiful boutique on FC road, has got you covered.
Established in 1994 and run by the Orissa Government, this place will leave you awestruck with its exquisite collection of stone artifacts. Ranging from stunning granite and pink stone statues, tribal palm leaf paintings, wooden Konark Temple wheels to Lord Jagannath figurines, artifacts, jewellery, handlooms and much more!
The art of stone carving is one of the most striking crafts when it comes to the rock-cut sculptures of various temples of Orissa. At Utkalika, you will witness some amazingly intricate sculptures with exquisite carvings made in sandstone,granite, pink stone and also the rare black stone.
The Nataraja statue here is made from pink stone, an amalgamation of Shiva’s role as a creator, preserver and destroyer. With a height of 26 inches and 18 inches in width, this piece of art left us spellbound with its intricate details. Also the pink stone statues of other deities like the Ganesha, Hanuman and Radha-Krishna are sure to impress you.
‘Nartakis’, the youthful temple dancers devoted to the Lord and muse for the temple sculptors since long. Captured in sandstones in various dance mudras, these beautiful maidens are quite a sight.
Granite is a heavy and a difficult stone that the ancient sculptors used to sculpt some prominent religious and political personalities. At Utkalika, the granite statues of Lord Hanuman, Lord Buddha and other deities will leave you spellbound.
Handcrafted Neem wood idols of Lord Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra depicting the idols of the famous Puri Temple in Orissa are a pure delight for art lovers. Also the palm leaf paintings depicting Lord Jagannath , the tribal life and several other themes and subjects. Multitude of colours, framed with cane and reasonably priced; these are simply gorgeous.
”I cordially invite all the Punekars to come over and show their love and support to the efforts of the artisans from not only Orissa but the entire country” says Bishwa Vikas Acharya, the manager of Utkalika.
Utkalika
Address: Shop No. 4, Sai Complex, Next to Triveni, Fergusson College Road, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune.
Days & Timings: Monday to Saturday, 10 am–8:30 pm
Contact: 02025671046
