Chief Secretary Anu Garg inaugurates pavilion at Bharat Mandapam; traditional crafts, GI products, rural enterprises and tourism offerings take centre stage
OdishaPlus Bureau
Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship and emerging economic potential are on display at the 45th India International Trade Fair (IITF)-2026, with Chief Secretary Anu Garg inaugurating the State Pavilion at Hall-3, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on Saturday.
Themed ‘Where Virasat Inspires Vikas’, the pavilion reflects the fair’s overarching theme, ‘Vikash aur Virasat’, bringing together the State’s handlooms, handicrafts, GI-tagged products, tribal art, agricultural produce, forest-based products, dairy products, rural enterprises and tourism offerings.
Represented by various Departments, agencies, institutions, cooperatives and producer organisations of the State, the exhibition reflects Odisha’s journey of preserving its cultural legacy while embracing innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
In her address, Anu Garg highlighted the importance of showcasing Odisha’s traditional skills, indigenous knowledge and cultural identity on a national and international platform. She stressed the need to expand market access for local artisans, weavers, farmers, tribal communities, women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and entrepreneurs, enabling them to connect with wider markets and emerging business opportunities.
She also encouraged visitors and stakeholders to explore the diverse products and initiatives showcased at the Odisha Pavilion.
A major attraction at the Pavilion is the display of Odisha’s traditional crafts, including Sambalpuri textiles, cotton, tussar and silk products, Pattachitra paintings, palm-leaf engravings, silver filigree, Dhokra craft, stone & wood carvings, and applique work. Live demonstrations of traditional weaving, silver filigree, Dhokra casting, stone carving and traditional weaving are showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship of the State’s artisans. The pavilion also features blockchain-enabled handloom weaving, exhibiting the integration of technology with traditional practices.
Women-led enterprises and rural entrepreneurship feature prominently, with Mission Shakti showcasing products made by SHGs, including Sabai grass crafts, tribal jewellery, Paper Mache, millet-based foods, ready-to-eat delicacies, handlooms and handicrafts. ORMAS has brought an assortment of rural products, including Golden Grass crafts, spices, pickles, Mahua products and coir crafts.
The pavilion also highlights Odisha’s tribal heritage through Gond and Lanjia Saora paintings, Dongaria Kondh shawls, Minor Forest Produce, value-added tribal products and Koraput Coffee. Millets, Black Rice, traditional rice varieties, cashew, honey and spices showcase the State’s sustainable agricultural and food-processing potential. OMFED is exhibiting its dairy products alongside organic Kandhamal Haldi, while Odisha Tourism is promoting the State’s rich spiritual, cultural and natural attractions including Konark, Puri and Chilika Lake.
Dedicated Export and Business-to-Business (B2B) platforms have been set up to facilitate interactions among producers, entrepreneurs, buyers, exporters, investors and industry stakeholders. The initiative aims to strengthen market linkages and create new business opportunities for Odisha’s products in domestic and international markets.
Special Resident Commissioner Ritu Arora, Director of Information and Public Relations Sanjay Kumar Biswal and Additional Resident Commissioner Sucharita Sarangi were among those present at the inauguration, along with other senior officials and representatives of participating departments and agencies.
The Odisha Pavilion will remain open to visitors from November 14 to 27, providing a platform to experience the State’s cultural diversity, traditional industries, entrepreneurial initiatives and development opportunities.