Colours and crafts at IITF, make in India is theme this year

India International Trade Fair is ­opening for ­the general public from tomorrow.

The 35th edition of the India International Trade Fair (IITF) held at Pragati Maidan, is ­opening for ­the general public from tomorrow.

Make in India themed fair is soaked in colours of both Indian and internation crafts.(Manoj Verma/HT)

People from far and wide are planning to visit the fair, which has ‘Make in India’ as its theme this year, and is soaked in colours of both Indian and international crafts.

Nazak Khatoon from Madhubani creates a basket using Sikki grass craft at the Bihar Pavilion. The same is also being used to make ­jewellery and artefacts. (Manoj Verma/HT )

Folk artists of Maharashtra create a foot-tapping rhapsody to attract visitors at the state’s pavilion. (Manoj Verma/HT)

Afghanistan, which is the partner country this year, is ­exhibiting ­saffron and dry fruits in abundance, while Jharkhand, being the partner state, is ­displaying handmade cloth in cotton and silk. Also, the kitsch ­accessories from countries like South Africa and Thailand are not to be missed.

An artist creates a Manjusha painting. (Manoj Verma/HT)

Miniature ­musical instruments at the Delhi Pavilion. (Manoj Verma/HT)

Bamboo earrings from West Bengal. (Manoj Verma/HT)

While senior citizens will get free entry this year, young entrepreneurs have got stalls at ­discounted rates. Although the footfall at the fair creates new records every year, not all ­exhibitors are happy. “The number of customers is reducing by the year. We have been coming here for seven years, but the sales are not as good now as before. Also, the value of rupee has gone down, yet ­people ask us to sell the ­products at the same price that we charged seven years ago,” says Avi, an exhibitor from Thailand. The rush at her ­jewellery stall makes it a little ­difficult to believe her ­statement.

Neckpieces in unusual designs and vibrant beads are available at the Thailand stall. (Manoj Verma/HT)

Earrings and rings in colourful beads by South African exhibitors are priced between 200 and 400. (Manoj Verma/HT)

Be on a lookout for the three circular bus services ­introduced this year – to ­facilitate movement. And if you’re a little wary of facing the rush, sit back and take a virtual tour of the fair at virtualtradeportal

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