With demonetisation hitting hard, Delhiites have resorted to an austere life. Come India International Trade Fair (IITF) and the shoppers can gear up for some retail therapy.
Based on PM Modi’s dream theme of Digital India, the fair has kicked off for trade and business persons, with 7000 participants in an exhibition area of more than 1 lakh square metre.
This year, the partner country is South Korea and country in focus is Belarus. But it is the variety available in the pavilions of the partner states Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand and the state in focus, Haryana that will attract you for sure.
From traditional waistcoats of the Lotha tribe of Nagaland to coconut shell jewellery of West Bengal and the handcrafted traditional saris from Orissa, there’s a lot to choose from.
The fair, which is open to public from November 19, will showcase a repertoire of Indian handicrafts and handlooms. All this is driven by the Make in India initiative. So, be ready to indulge in Indian products as we tell you what to find where.
Sashi, a seller at Nagaland pavilion, stall no 4 is selling woollen mask priced at Rs 50. (Amal KS/HT Photo)
Delhi’s Smog is the selling point here
Quite a few stalls at the trade fair are selling masks, aroma oils and medicines that claim to beat the smog-effect. Sashi, a seller at Nagaland pavilion stall no 4 is selling woollen mask priced at Rs 50. She says, “People were wearing masks, during smog. So I thought, why not sell woollen masks.” A stall in Tamil Nadu pavilion is selling medicines to help curb respiratory problems. Mohd Rashim, stall owner of Kazah Balm and Oil, says, “This is the first time we’ve set up our stall in IITF and the increasing breathing problem in the city is the reason behind it.”
Delhi’s Smog is the selling point here
Quite a few stalls at the trade fair are selling masks, aroma oils and medicines that claim to beat the smog-effect. Sashi, a seller at Nagaland pavilion stall no 4 is selling woollen mask priced at Rs 50. She says, “People were wearing masks, during smog. So I thought, why not sell woollen masks.” A stall in Tamil Nadu pavilion is selling medicines to help curb respiratory problems. Mohd Rashim, stall owner of Kazah Balm and Oil, says, “This is the first time we’ve set up our stall in IITF and the increasing breathing problem in the city is the reason behind it.”
A teracotta sculpture of Durga, with crown made of millets. Price: Rs120. Pavilion: West Bengal (Amal KS/HT Photo)
Demonetisation a problem? Not here
Most stalls in IITF are accepting cards for payment. In fact, some stalls are also accepting old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. “But on one condition — we will not return any change,” says Ganga Bhavani at Tamil Nadu pavilion. A mobile ATM van is also parked inside the venue, with people queuing for it. However, on day one, the machine ran out of cash within a few hours
Culture Capsule
Nov15: Magic show by Rahul Kharbanda at Food Court, 4.30pm
Nov16: Punjab State Day Celebrations at Hamsadhwani Theatre, 6pm Nov17: Uttarakhand State day celebrations at Lal Chowk Theatre, 3.30pm
Nov 19: Qawwali by Shahid Niyazi and Rampur (UP) at Falaknuma Theatre, 6pm Nov24: Mohiniyattam dance by Trikala Gurukulam at Shakuntalam Theatre, 6pm
Nov 27: Pati Pakhawaj Recital by Harish Chandra at Shakuntalam Theatre, 6pm
Catch it Live
WHAT: 36th India International Trade Fair
WHERE: Pragati Maidan
WHEN: November 19 to 27
TIMINGS: 9.30am to 7.30pm
Nearest Metro Station: Pragati Maidan on Blue Line
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Stay updated with all top Cities including, Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai and more across India. Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News along with Delhi Election 2025 and Delhi Election Result 2025 Live, New Delhi Election Result Live, Kalkaji Election Result Live at Hindustan Times.