New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh has brought its rich cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship and evolving development story to the forefront at the 45th India International Trade Fair (IITF), being held at Bharat Mandapam. The state pavilion, designed around the theme ‘Development and Heritage’, was formally inaugurated by Chief Secretary Shashi Prakash Goyal.
Uttar Pradesh is participating as a partner state in the exhibition, which runs from November 13 to 27. Through its presentation, the state aims to highlight its traditional skills, local industries, food heritage and economic progress on national and international platforms.
Goyal said the government was committed to preserving centuries-old crafts and cultural traditions while connecting local artisans, entrepreneurs and small industries with global markets. He described the trade fair as an important opportunity to promote the state’s products, industrial capabilities and development achievements.
145 Stalls Highlight the State’s Craftsmanship
The Uttar Pradesh pavilion features 145 stalls representing districts such as Varanasi, Lucknow, Kannauj, Moradabad, Bhadohi, Agra, Meerut, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Saharanpur, Jhansi and Gautam Buddh Nagar.
Traditional products including Bhadohi carpets, Moradabad brassware, Kannauj perfumes, Banarasi silk, Lucknow’s chikankari embroidery and wooden handicrafts are among the major attractions.
The One District One Product (ODOP) initiative is being used to provide local artisans and weavers with greater market access and opportunities to promote their products beyond their home districts.
Traditional Uttar Pradesh Cuisine Gets a Dedicated Platform
Alongside handicrafts, the state’s culinary heritage is receiving special attention through the One District One Cuisine initiative.
The exhibition features Agra’s petha, Kanpur’s Thaggu ke Laddu, Hathras’ asafoetida and rabri, Muzaffarnagar’s jaggery, Pratapgarh’s amla products, Mahoba’s Deshawari betel leaf and Auraiya’s traditional desi ghee.
The Chief Secretary said the initiative would strengthen the branding, packaging, quality standards and marketing of traditional food products. It is also expected to create fresh employment and self-employment opportunities for small traders and food-processing units.
Connectivity and Investment Driving Economic Growth
Goyal also highlighted improved connectivity, expressways, industrial corridors and an investment-friendly environment as important factors supporting Uttar Pradesh’s economic growth.
After inaugurating the pavilion, he toured the exhibition with officials and interacted with artisans, weavers and entrepreneurs to understand their products and business activities.
Commissioner and Director of Industries K. Vijayendra Pandian, Additional Commissioner of Industries and Managing Director of the Small Industries Corporation Rohit Anand, along with other senior officials, were present at the inauguration.
