New Delhi: Odisha showcased its rich cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship, indigenous products and emerging economic opportunities 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.
The Pavilion, themed ‘Where Virasat Inspires Vikas’, reflects the overarching theme of this year’s fair, ‘Vikash aur Virasat’, highlighting Odisha’s efforts to preserve its cultural legacy while advancing innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
The exhibition brings together a wide range of products and initiatives represented by various State departments, agencies, institutions, cooperatives and producer organisations. These include handlooms, handicrafts, GI-tagged products, tribal art, agricultural and forest-based products, dairy items, rural enterprises and tourism offerings.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Garg highlighted the importance of showcasing Odisha’s heritage and development journey on a national and international platform. She said the State’s traditional skills, indigenous knowledge, cultural identity and natural resources provide a strong foundation for its growth aspirations.
She also stressed the need to create wider market opportunities for local artisans, weavers, farmers, tribal communities, women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and entrepreneurs, enabling them to connect with larger markets and benefit from emerging business opportunities.
A major attraction of the Pavilion is the display of Odisha’s traditional handloom and handicraft products, including Sambalpuri textiles, cotton, tussar and silk products, Pattachitra paintings, palm-leaf engravings, silver filigree, Dhokra craft, stone and wood carvings and applique work. Live demonstrations of silver filigree, Dhokra casting, stone carving and traditional weaving offer visitors a glimpse into the craftsmanship of local artisans. A demonstration of blockchain-enabled handloom weaving also highlights the integration of traditional skills with modern technology.
Women’s entrepreneurship finds prominence through Mission Shakti, which showcases products made by women SHG members, including Sabai grass crafts, tribal jewellery, Paper Mache products, millet-based items, ready-to-eat delicacies, handlooms and handicrafts.
Similarly, ORMAS presents a range of rural products, including Golden Grass crafts, spices, millet products, pickles, Mahua products and coir crafts, highlighting the role of rural enterprises in generating livelihoods and promoting community-based entrepreneurship.
The Pavilion also showcases Odisha’s tribal heritage through Gond and Lanjia Saora paintings, the traditional Dongaria Kondh shawl, Minor Forest Produce, value-added tribal products and Koraput Coffee. Agricultural products such as millets, Black Rice, traditional rice varieties, cashew, honey, spices and value-added millet products highlight the State’s potential in sustainable agriculture and food processing.
OMFED is showcasing its dairy products along with organic Kandhamal Haldi, while Odisha Tourism is promoting the State’s spiritual, cultural and natural attractions, including the Sun Temple at Konark, Jagannath Dham at Puri and Chilika Lake.
To strengthen trade and investment opportunities, dedicated Export and Business-to-Business (B2B) platforms have been arranged at the Pavilion. These will facilitate interactions among producers, entrepreneurs, buyers, exporters, investors and industry stakeholders, with a focus on developing market linkages and encouraging business partnerships.
The Odisha Pavilion will remain open to visitors from November 14 to 27 at Hall-3, Bharat Mandapam, providing an opportunity to explore the State’s cultural diversity, traditional products and emerging economic prospects.
Special Resident Commissioner Ritu Arora, Director of Information and Public Relations Sanjay Kumar Biswal and Additional Resident Commissioner Sucharita Sarangi were present at the inauguration, along with other officials and nodal officers representing participating departments and agencies.
Through its participation in IITF-2026, Odisha aims to connect its traditional strengths with new market opportunities and present its journey towards inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
