A Celebration of Odisha’s Startup Spirit and Festive Innovation
Bhubaneswar witnessed a spectacular confluence of creativity, entrepreneurship, and festive spirit at the IIT Research and Entrepreneurship Park ‘Diwali Carnival 2025‘: a one-of-a-kind initiative that brought together some of Odisha’s most promising homegrown brands under one vibrant roof. Organized by Entrepreneurship and Research Cell of IIT Bhubaneswar and in association with COS (Community of Odisha Startups) — a dynamic community empowering startups through collaboration, mentorship, and networking — the event truly embodied the pulse of Odisha’s growing startup ecosystem.
The carnival became more than just a festive market — it evolved into a celebration of local innovation, sustainability, and enterprise. COS, which has steadily grown into a platform connecting startup founders, investors, and professionals, designed the Diwali Carnival as a way to bridge the gap between budding entrepreneurs and their consumers, encouraging people to shop local, support small businesses, and experience the diversity of Odisha’s creative economy.
“The highlight of the event was the presence of Mr. Pritiraj Satpathy, the popular Odia film actor from the superhit Odia movie My Sweet Housewife, who joined the carnival to extend his support to local startups and promote his upcoming movie, Aafa. Also gracing the occasion was Preeti Pallavi Patnaik, Convener of INWEC. Their interaction with the entrepreneurs and visitors added a starry charm to the evening while reinforcing the importance of cultural and economic synergy in Odisha’s growth story.”
The carnival featured a curated lineup of 18 exceptional brands, each representing the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of the region. From artisanal creations to eco-conscious innovations, every stall reflected a story of passion, purpose, and perseverance.
Some of the crowd favorites included Teasana, serving a refreshing blend of handcrafted teas; Smruti’s Creations by Smruti Mishra, showcasing exquisite handmade décor; Gopala Mini Gifts, bringing festive gifting ideas to life with 3D printing; and Toola-Ra-Kala by Mansi Tripathi, with her creative artistry that added a touch of tradition to modern aesthetics. Kiyo Beauty stole hearts with its clean, sustainable beauty products, while Manasi Bags and Viswas Bags presented a range of elegant, locally crafted accessories that perfectly mixed style and utility.
Maavni Designs, DBPCL Terracotta & Handlooms, and Utkalaa celebrated Odisha’s craft heritage through stunning handlooms and eco-friendly creations, while Beyond Waste turned heads with its upcycled, sustainability-driven innovations. The carnival also featured unique brands like Benorita, Ankita Mohanty, Barnali by Banaja, and StickonStories, all representing the state’s deep-rooted artistry.
Adding a delicious twist to the celebration was Bob’s Baked Co., which served an irresistible range of desserts and baked goodies that became a hot favourite among visitors. For those craving traditional flavours, Pitha Sitha brought the taste of Odisha’s heritage to the forefront. Curioblox, with its creative DIY products, engaged the younger audience and added a playful energy to the event.
The IIT REP Diwali Carnival wasn’t just an exhibition — it was a movement celebrating Odisha’s entrepreneurial evolution. It provided startups with a real platform to showcase, connect, and grow, while inspiring attendees to look within their own communities for innovation and inspiration.
As the diyas lit up the evening sky, the carnival echoed with music, laughter, and conversations about ideas, impact, and innovation. It was, without a doubt, a festive evening that celebrated not just Diwali, but also the bright future of Odisha’s startup ecosystem.
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