The 45th India International Trade Fair opened at Bharat Mandapam with stalls from 32 states and Union territories and exhibitors from 11 countries, turning the Pragati Maidan venue into a large showcase for handicrafts, food, cultural performances and small enterprises. Organised by the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation, the fair will run until November 27, with public entry beginning on November 19.
The first five days are reserved for business visitors, giving exhibitors an initial window to engage with trade participants before the fair opens to the wider public. The event is spread across 17 halls covering about 1 lakh square metres, according to the report.
The Delhi pavilion was inaugurated by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Delhi is one of four focus states at this edition. The pavilion presents the capital through its heritage, culture, entrepreneurship and modern development, Gupta said at the inauguration.
Among the Delhi exhibits is Tihar Se, a brand selling products made by inmates of Tihar jail. Its display includes baked goods and wooden sculptures, with proceeds from sales going to the inmates. Ravindra, a Tihar official, said the initiative is intended to support rehabilitation and reintegration by helping prisoners learn occupational skills during their incarceration.
The fair also includes immersive and hands-on visitor experiences. The Andaman and Nicobar pavilion features a 360-degree presentation of well-known places from the Union territory. For the first time, the Rajasthan pavilion is offering tie-dye and pottery workshops, allowing visitors to observe the making process and create handicrafts themselves.
Several state pavilions have used performances, replicas and distinctive displays to draw visitors. Maharashtra has installed life-size replicas, Punjab has featured bhangra performances and Uttar Pradesh has used the fragrance of attars to attract people into its pavilion. The range of displays reflects the fair’s dual role as a marketplace and a public cultural exhibition within one of Delhi’s largest event venues.
Hall One, which houses exhibitors from 11 countries including Iran, Ghana, Turkey and Tunisia, was among the busiest sections reported on the opening day. International displays ranged from 12-foot onyx fountains to packaged chocolate-covered almonds. The participation also highlighted concerns among some exhibitors, who said the number of countries invited had declined over the years and that sales had weakened as visitors became less willing to purchase expensive showpieces and handicrafts.
For visitors, the fair remains linked to both shopping and experience. Faridabad resident Hema Singh said the diversity of handicrafts and food attracts her to the event, while her husband Anil gave a more personal reason for returning: his wife’s fondness for the fair.
The public edition of the India International Trade Fair begins on November 19 and continues at Bharat Mandapam through November 27, with the venue hosting state, national and international exhibitors during the remaining schedule.
