Orissa is known for its high level perfection in making bell metal crafts. This craft is perhaps the single most important craft in terms of the number of the artisans engaged in its practice. The craft is practiced by the people of the "Kansari" caste who are the metal smiths in the state while another variety, "Dhokra" is practiced mainly by "Sithulias".

The socio cultural ties of this handicraft are very strong. According to the tradition of Orissa the bride is presented with items of brass and bell metal as per the status of the family permits. While in the villages these are extensively used for eating and cooking. In almost all major temples the moving image or the 'Chalanti Pratima' of the presiding deities are brass icons. Similarly the use of 'ghanta' or 'ghanti' is both important and indispensible for all kind of worshipping. Hundreds of gongs are beaten and used even during the 'RathYatra' in Puri.

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