Liv’ED is an ED original style where we write about our personal experiences on visiting and reviewing any place which gives us a feeling of coming back for more.
This time, we narrate our experience at the Indian International Trade Fair (IITF), 2016.
The Trade Fair is something a large number of people of Delhi look forward to. Apart from being a shopper’s paradise, it is also a way of making quick money for little traders and handicrafts’ industry. IITF is also known for its food stalls and cultural shows from various states as well as countries!
For people who aren’t aware, IITF is conducted in Pragati Maidan (Delhi) almost every year. Large exhibitions and conventions are conducted by Indian Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO). ITPO is a trade promotion agency and it is managed by ministry of commerce and industry in India.
Indian International Trade Fair, 2016
This is the 36th Trade Fair that Delhi has seen.
A number of new initiatives are making the 36th India International Trade Fair a better experience for the visitors. The theme of this year is “Make in India” and there is a lot of focus on initiatives like “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan”, “Digital India” among others.
Focus is also on 54 startups by young entrepreneurs (35 years and bellow) and the trade fair is also being used as a platform for ministries and state governments to launch various policies!
Cultural events started right from the first day and school students were allowed to visit the fair during business days. In fact, keeping in mind the recent demonetisation even the price of the fair tickets have been reduced.
How To Reach
The nearest metro station is Pragati Maidan from where the venue is just a 10-15 minutes walk. You can also take a cab directly to Pragati Maidan.
If you take your own car, parking might be a bit troublesome.
Schedule
Days : 14th Nov. – 27th Nov.
Business Days : Nov. 14th – 18th
Public Visiting Days : Nov. 19th – 27th
Timings : 9.30 a.m. – 7.30 p.m.
Participants : 34 States, 42 Ministries, 28 Countries
Ticket Price : Adults Rs. 50 on working days & Rs. 80 for Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Entry free for senior citizens and people with disabilities.
Ticket Sales : Delhi Metro Stations & ITPO Counters (Gates 1, 2 & 10)
Specialities
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 more.
From traditional waistcoats of the Lotha tribe of Nagaland to coconut shell jewellery of West Bengal and the handcrafted traditional sarees from Orissa, hand-made items are in focus this year as a part of the Make In India initiative.
Experience
The fair, which opened to public from November 19th is showcasing a repertoire of Indian handicrafts and handlooms. Any hall that you enter, has a wide variety of handicrafts to offer, from Ladhaki footwear to handcrafted Fulkari dupattas! You just can’t stop yourself from admiring the beauty of these items and even hope a few!
Delhi’s smog post Diwali is also a selling point at the fair. Quite a few stalls at the trade fair are selling masks, aroma oils and medicines that claim to beat the smog-effect. SA stall in Tamil Nadu pavilion is selling medicines to help curb respiratory problems.
Most stalls in IITF are even accepting cards for payment. In fact, some stalls are also accepting old Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes. A mobile ATM van is also parked inside the venue, with people queuing for it. So, even demonetisation shouldn’t be an issue.
All in all IITF is something you must visit, it is a cultural extravaganza that takes place once a year and shouldn’t be missed at all!
Value For Money
You might find the prices a wee bit increased at the trade fair because of demonetisation. But worry not, bargaining skills always come handy!
Recommendation
It’s a loot in hall no. 1 with Bata and other shoe brands offering around 50% off. Good junk from stalls of Himachal and other hilly areas!
Food from the stall called “Rajasthani Foods” is amazing. Authentic Rajasthani food that reminds you of Chowki Dhani of Jaipur.
Culture Capsule
Cultural programs to look forward to in the upcoming days at the fair:
Nov. 24th : Mohiniyattam dance by Trikala Gurukulam at Shakuntalam Theatre, 6 p.m.
Nov. 27th : Pati Pakhawaj Recital by Harish Chandra at Shakuntalam Theatre, 6 p.m.
Liv’ED It Score Card
Visiting the trade fair after reading this, are we?
Let us know in the comments below!
Picture Courtesy: Google Images
Give this a read :
http://edtimes.in/2016/10/puppychino-delhis-first-dog-cafe-we-lived-it/
