Venue: Pragati Maidan
Dates: 14 – 27 November 2015
The day after Bhai Duj, we are faced with a new festival – the 35th Trade Fair has started at Pragati Maidan. Here are some quick facts:
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Dates: 14 – 27 November 2015
Business days: 14-18 November 2015
General days: 19-27 November 2015
Timing: 9.30 am to 7.30 pm
Business day tickets: Rs. 400/-
General day tickets: Weekdays: Rs. 50/- :: Weekend: Rs. 80/-
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Partner Country: Afghanistan
Focus Country: Bangladesh
Partner States: Goa & Jharkhand
Focus state: Madhya Pradesh
Business day tickets are available at select Metro Stations. General day tickets are available at all Metro Stations
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The Trade Fair had its usual displays of state pavilions; household and consumer items, handloom and handicrafts, stalls by various government departments, armed forces, engineering etc. The theme this year is “Make in India”, our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s recent war cry.
When we visited this event on the inaugural day – 14th November, we found the lion logo (symbol of “Make in India”) creatively displayed everywhere.
We spent about seven hours here and were swelling with pride on noting the prowess that India has in traditional as well as modern areas of trade. It is a great synergy and such forums are reminders that we stand tall as a nation.
Among the state stalls we loved the Bihar pavilion the best. It was crafty, used traditional material and yet very contemporary.
The Kerala pavilion had this display that creatively demonstrates Kerala’s contribution to international trade.
The Delhi pavilion with huge Kejriwal prints was a disappointment.
There were ample food options outdoors – e.g. – puri – subzi – rasgulla
Chaayos counter on a footpath and Maggi also played a cameo.
As well as regional food in state pavilions – e.g. – yummy fruit halwa at Kerala pavilion
The foreign participants included South Africa, Afghanistan, Iran, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka. They had got along traditional as well as contemporary crafts, food items such as dry fruits and spices and clothes. South Africa as usual occupied a huge central area in the specific hall. The display was barren and efforts half-hearted.
Being the inaugural day, many pavilions had traditional musicians to welcome their VIP guests.
A group of traditional drummers from Tamil Nadu in front of the Coir Board pavilion.
A plethora of cultural programs have also been organised at the Hansadhwani auditorium inside the Trade Fair premise.
To keep the best for the last – what is a fair without a li’l drama – e,g. – life size and life like statue of the Mahatma at the Khadi pavilion for clicking selfies!
Awesome! love the clicks.
Thanks Satyaram. Do let us know how you liked the fair in comments.
I hope to visit the fair soon. Will keep you updated.
I appreciate and encourage for such web site letting us know about Kerala. Hope for an interactive page.