Finance
The 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025 opened its doors to exhibitors on Friday at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, with Odisha creating a strong impact with its intelligently designed state pavilion.
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida launched the Odisha Pavilion, ushering in the state’s lively and engaging presence at the 14-day global trade exhibition.
This year’s IITF, themed ‘Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat’, brings together delegates, entrepreneurs, craftsmen, and visitors from all over the world to celebrate India’s socioeconomic successes and rich cultural tapestry. Among the main attractions is the Odisha Mandap, which tells an expressive story of the state’s indigenous art, culture, legacy, and fast changing developmental landscape.
The Odisha Pavilion, located on the first floor of Hall No. 4, has been designed as an immersive place that seamlessly integrates the state’s old traditions with its modern goals. Deputy Chief Minister Parida lauded the pavilion’s creative design and expressed confidence that it will continue to attract large crowds throughout the fair.
“The pavilion reflects Odisha’s development in agriculture, tourism, heritage, industries, trade, and other sectors. The display of art and crafts, spiritual tourism, handlooms, and indigenous products will definitely attract visitors,” she said, emphasizing that Odisha’s leadership in women empowerment is visible through the active participation of women-led enterprises at IITF 2025.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by senior government officials including Special Resident Commissioner Ritu Arora, Additional Resident Commissioner Sucharita Sarangi, Director I&PR Anuj Kumar Das Pattanaik, Director (Technical) Gurbir Singh, and Pavilion Director Aswini Kumar Bhoi.
The pavilion, which features 28 thematic stalls from several state departments, displays Odisha’s successes and potential for growth in a variety of areas. The pavilion provides a complete view of the State’s business spirit, featuring rural products such as organic spices, coffee, bamboo jewelry, and organic food items made by Subhadra Shakti women.
The pavilion’s main entrance is a beautiful replication of the Singha Dwara (Lion’s Gate) of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, representing Odisha’s deep spiritual and cultural identity. Inside, visitors can see reproductions of the Dhauli Shanti Stupa, fine Dhokra metal crafts, and a precise model of Paradip Port complete with a ship. Another entrance features the Boita Dwara, which honors Odisha’s traditional maritime heritage and worldwide trading history.
Adding to the sensory attraction, the pavilion includes live demonstrations by traditional artists demonstrating Pattachitra painting, Silver Filigree work, Sabai Grass crafts, and Lac artistry, providing guests with a glimpse into Odisha’s timeless workmanship.
The Odisha Pavilion is set to be a significant attraction during IITF 2025, delivering a visually rich and instructive trip through a Transforming Odisha under Vision @2036.
