Venue: Pragati Maidan, delhi

IITF 2019 all you need to know

It’s that time of the year.  The 39^th India International Trade Fair is knocking at the door and we are getting enquires in connection with the nearest metro station to IITF 2019; how to book stalls at Trade Fair 2019 or what to buy at Trade Fair. Excited by this interest, we thought of making this post based on our experiences of earlier Trade Fairs.

Top reasons to visit IITF 2019

What could be the top reasons to visit Trade fair 2019? For the uninitiated, IITF is a platform for new innovations, agriculture products, handloom and weaving, art and handicrafts along with a host of options for food, cultural performances and entertainment. In short, if you want to buy something or even do a recce, this is the place. The event is happening at its regular venue Pragati Maidan albeit in a smaller area. As you may be aware, Pragati Maidan is undergoing extensive repairs and most of the area is in the occupancy of cranes and bulldozers.

Dates for Trade Fair

The dates for IITF 2019 are already out – 14-27 November, 2019. 14 – 18 November is for business visitors while 19 – 27 November is for general visitors.

Timings for IITF 2019

The timings for Trade Fair are 9.30 am to 7.30 pm. Please note that entry is allowed till 5.30 pm only,

Nearest metro station for Pragati Maidan

What is the route from Gurgaon to Trade Fair or Noida to Trade Fair? Well one drive or call for a radio taxi. But the most fuss free as well as Eco-friendly mode of transport would be the metro. The nearest metro station for IITF 2019 is Pragati Maidan on the Blue Line of Delhi Metro. It is a few minutes from Rajiv Chowk Metro Station.

Parking for Trade Fair 2019

Parking for Pragati Maidan is at Bhairon Marg. This is a bit of distance from the IITF venue and could be a problem if you have shopped.

Entry tickets for Trade Fair

Where to buy tickets for Trade Fair 2019? Tickets are available at select Metro Stations apart from Pragati Maidan Metro Station. Do note that Trade Fair tickets are not available at the venue. Also, advance booking of tickets have been discontinued so you will have to purchase tickets on the day of your visit.

Online tickets for IITF 2019

Online tickets for Trade Fair are generally sold on Bookmyshow.

Things to buy at Trade Fair 2019

Starting from army equipment to furniture glass to clothes, packaged as well as cooked food items, household gadgets , Trade Fair has it all and sometimes at amazing discounts. Many visitors carry trolley carts and suitcases to bring home their booty and these luggage get filled very soon. The only items that we have not seen a lot at Trade Fair are books. And that is probably because the government organises two standalone book fairs every year – Delhi Book Fair and International Book Fair.

Handicraft at Trade Fair

Trade Fair is one event that fuses craft and trade and they carry a quality collection of handicrafts and handloom in the state stalls, Khadi and Saras pavilions. We vouch the best variety of pan Indian crafts are available here at most reasonable prices. The fair is a lovely resource for traditional Indian wear for men – women – children. Plus given that it is a government initiative, the Geographical Indication (GI) is mentioned on many such items.

International Stalls at Trade Fair

A host of foreign countries set up stalls and love the kilims from Afghanistan, gem stones from Sri Lanka, tribal dolls from Ghana and knick knacks from Thailand. Dhakai Jamdani sarees brought by traders from Bangladesh and Pakistani suit pieces are a huge hit with women. If you want to add some international brightness to your homes, Turkish lamp is just the thing.

Trade Fair 2019 Partner Country

The partner country at IITF 2019 is Afghanistan. The partner country would traditionally get a standalone pavilion while other foreign participants would share pavilions. However, given that most parts of Pragati Maidan is out of bounds, we do not know the space sharing would be implemented this year.

Food court at Trade Fair

Trade Fair is like a picnic and many visitors use this opportunity to try regional cuisine. State wise food stalls as well as general food stalls are set up at various areas in the fair. These stalls offer regular naan, chhole – bhature, sandwiches and beverages as well as exotic dishes like Chhena Poda from Odisha, Anarsa from Bihar, egg and soya rice cakes from Mizoram or sticky rice pudding from Manipur.

Live Performances at Trade Fair

Live folk as well as classical performances are an integral art of Trade Fair. Such performances were traditionally held at the Hansadhwani Theatre.  We recall watching an upscale fashion show here as well.  After renovation work started at Trade Fair, a makeshift theatre is erected for the performances. The performances are mostly held in the evenings and are of great quality.