New Delhi: The Odisha Pavilion at the 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) in New Delhi is proving to be a major crowd-puller, drawing significant footfall from visitors across India and abroad.
Odisha State Day, held today, further amplified the buzz around the pavilion. Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi participated as the chief guest, unveiling special issues of the Utkal Prasanga and Odisha Review magazines. The Chief Minister visited the Odisha Pavilion, engaging with stall officers, artisans, and weavers. He emphasized the importance of preserving the state’s glorious past while simultaneously working towards making Odisha a self-reliant state.
The pavilion, designed to reflect the state’s theme of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” and its journey towards “Viksit Odisha 2036,” has become a centre of attraction for its rich display of culture, art, trade, and developmental achievements.
The pavilion, located at Hall No. 4, First Floor of Bharat Mandapam, features a magnificent replica of the Singha Dwara (Lion’s Gate) of the Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri, at its main entrance, along with a Boita Dwara that pays tribute to Odisha’s ancient maritime history and global trade.
Inside, 28 thematic stalls showcase the state’s diverse offerings, including exquisite handlooms, handicrafts like Pattachitra and Silver Filigree, Saura and Gond tribal paintings, Koraput coffee, and rural products made by women’s self-help groups under the Mission Shakti and ORMAS initiatives. Live demonstrations by traditional Odia artisans are particularly engaging the crowds.
The pavilion is not just a cultural showcase; it has successfully established commercial connections with major business enterprises, government bodies, and institutions. Products ranging from Goumaya Paints to organic food items have generated significant business-to-business (B2B) interest, underscoring the state’s potential for investment and economic growth.
High-profile visits, including from Deputy Chief Ministers and other Ministers, have further enhanced the perception of Odisha-made products on this national platform. The impressive portrayal of Odisha’s cultural heritage and its commitment to women’s empowerment continue to make the pavilion a visual treat and a learning experience for all visitors.