Identification of Indian handicrafts in trade fair
India International Trade Fair: Lively display of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat‘
The India International Trade Fair (IITF), held at the Bharat Mandapam, is one of India’s largest and culturally stable exhibitions. With its 44 years of heritage and this year’s theme ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat‘, the Mela partners unites partner states, focus states, ministries, global participants, MSMEs, artisans and start-ups under one roof, reflecting India’s unity in diversity and its economic confidence.The detailed outline of the fair – featuring a multi-product hall, state pavilion, international delegation and a vibrant cultural calendar – creates a dynamic ecosystemtam where heritage, innovation and enterprise combine.
Overview of India in its entire cultural field
From a visitor’s point of view, the India International Trade Fair is visible as a captivating visit to India’scultural and artisan heritage. Moving on from the middle of the variousan halls, we enjoy the linguistic, artistic and regional diversity of the country that is embodied in colour, texture and craft.
Each pavilion holds a distinctive identity of its state – from handloom and tribal art in Jharkhand to the intricate metal works displayed by Uttar Pradesh and the vibrant block-print of Rajasthan. The exhibition lights shine with glass work, terracotta items decorate the corridors, and tribal jewelry, bamboo artifacts, jute work and hand-embroidered fabrics showcase the skills saved over generations.These hastshilpa, especially showcased in the IITF’s multi-product profile, mesmerize the visitors with the variety of their motifs, techniques and mediums.
Throughout the fair, the theme of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat resonates powerfully. State Day cultural performances, folk music, classical arts and workshops create a broad environment where visitors can see India’s unity in expressed diversity through craft, culture and creativity.
A platform that keeps craft, community and commerce intact.
From an exhibitor’s point of view, the India International Trade Fair is not just an annual exhibition—it’sa place where years of practice, family traditions and community identity are visible to the world. There is a saga behind every stall: early morning loom work, carefully packed dibbes that travel miles and this hope that a new buyer can help maintain an art look for the second generation.
Many craft communities had a similar experience in the hall. Patkar artists from Jharkhand described how the Mela helps revive one of India’s oldest scroll-painting traditions, enabling them to recapture stories through their elaborate linework. Madhubani painters from Bihar shared that IITF facilitates direct engagement with visitors who appreciate the accuracy and symbolism inherent in the hand-painted work.
Traditional cowbell makers of Kutch described how their art has evolved over time. Originallydesigned only as functional bells for themmen, that craft today extends to musical instruments, wind chimes and ornamental hangings that retain the same hand-tuned sound. He said that IITF gives them rare access to interact with international exhibitors and visitors.
Similarly, the jute artisans of Rajasthan underlined that the mela retains their labour-intensive leather craft, especially at a time when machine-made shoes dominates the markets. Many handloom collectors across the country said that IITF is one of the few platforms where diverse regional weaving traditions from tribal weaving to heritage silk are showcased to a wide and commendable audience.
For many exhibitors, participation in the fair is in partly linked to livelihood protection. The program connects them with buyers who were difficult to reach. Exporters, institutional buyers and families are aspiring to authentic hand-made and manufactured households. The mix of business days and ordinary public days helps artisans negotiate orders, expand their network and interact with audiences who value craftsmanship.
Overall, IITF gives recognition to artisans. This enables them to discuss the processes, materials and history behind their craftsmanship, which confirms their place in the cultural and creative landscape of the country. For the communities that have preserved these crafts for generations, this fair is a memorable event, where their kill is still relevant and they are honored.
| Debki Parida – Dhokra Kala, Odisha For Debki, Dhokra is a vibrant tradition that defines the cultural identity of their tribal community.She works with the women of her village to create brass statues, ornaments and motifs inspired by everyday tribal life. Debki says that every design shows where we came from. When people see our work, they understand our culture. Attending the IITF gives them a platform to interact directly with visitors and tell the story behind each artwork.
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Expressions of the fairvyas
| Dr. Yes. Dashrath Chari – Traditional wood carving Dr. Who Has Sambandha From The Family Who Has Been Practicing Wood Carving For Centuries.Yes. The Dashratha represent the craft deeply rooted in the temple tradition. Today, he and the artisans of his field make both traditional panels and modern useful items using red sandalwood, white sandalwood, rosewood and seagon. He said that his technology has been going on for generations. Even when we make contemporary objects, the skill remains the same. For more than 25 years, he has been demonstrating his work in IITF. He said that in the era of online markets, IITF is a real platform. People can see and feel the workmanship, and understand the effort behind each artwork. |
| Madhuri Singh – Traditional clay and jute doll, Bihar A former school teacher, Madhuri started making traditional clay and jute dolls during the pandemic.Their dolls depict Indian customs, festivals and dress, combining a hand-cautted clay body with colorful jute clothing. She explains that she wanted to create dolls that looked like our own people and our own traditions. Her work has inspired many young girls and women in their community to learn the craft. At IITF, he feels that his work gets an audience that understands its cultural relevance. |
| Dheeraj – Cane and Bamboo Crafts, Assam Continuing his family’s legacy, Dheeraj works with a team of artisans to produce cane and bamboo products that reflect the long-standing craft traditions of Assam. He says, ‘Many families in our village depend on this work. Everything helps someone’s livelihood.” Despite online sales, he sees IITF as a unique opportunity. He explains that people come here, look at the product and see the skills involved. This appreciation is important for us artisans. |
The widespread importance of IITF in India’s cultural and economic saga
In the India International Trade Fair, the idea of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat comes alive not in big announcements, but in the calm of shared craftsmanship. Here, the colours of Madhubani match the glow of the dhokra, the rhythm of the cowbel of Kutch is mixed with the softness of the Assam cane and the stories carved in the wood of Tirupati are in the mud traditions of Bihar.
India’s diversity is visible in these stalls and corridors as a whole. Each craftsman brings back a piece of his legacy, his memory, his genealogy and puts it on a platform where it becomes part of a larger national map. Visitors come, listen to their voices, learn and connect with these stories to the map themselves.
As the fair draws to a close, it always reminds us that the strength of India lies in this spontaneous combination – where many cultures, many languages, many hands, form a shared identity. IITF expresses this unity with peaceful decency, proving that when the traditions of the country stand side by side, India not only takes the form of a diverse but also a holistic country with its diversity and strength.
