The 45th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, opened its doors to a grand celebration of culture, trade, and innovation.
Anchored by the powerful theme ‘Vikash aur Virasat’ (Development and Heritage), the Odisha Pavilion stands out as a vibrant testament to the state’s glorious past and its unstoppable modern momentum.
Inaugurated by Chief Secretary Smt. Anu Garg, the pavilion encapsulates the core philosophy of ‘Where Virasat Inspires Vikas’—demonstrating how ancient traditions, maritime legacies, and indigenous knowledge are fueling contemporary economic milestones.
A Showcase of Timeless Craftsmanship and Modern Innovation
Visitors entering Hall-3 are greeted by an immersive experience of Odisha’s multi-faceted identity. The pavilion bridges ancient artistry with cutting-edge future readiness through several key attractions:
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Master Artisans at Work: The pavilion features live demonstrations of world-renowned crafts, including intricate silver filigree (Tarkasi), Dhokra metal casting, stone carving, and traditional handloom weaving.
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Tech Meets Tradition: A major highlight this year is the live demonstration of blockchain-enabled handloom weaving, showcasing how Odisha is safeguarding artisan authenticity and integrating modern technology into legacy crafts.
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Textile Excellence: A rich array of celebrated handlooms—including iconic Sambalpuri ikkat, luxurious tussar silk, cotton drapes, and exquisite Pattachitra paintings, palm-leaf engravings, and appliqué work—highlights the exceptional skill passed down through generations.
Empowering Grassroots Enterprise and Women
Odisha’s growth story at IITF-2026 heavily emphasises community-led development, rural livelihoods, and women’s economic empowerment:
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Mission Shakti Pavilion: Representing the phenomenal impact of women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), this section displays Sabai grass crafts, intricate tribal jewellery, paper papier-mâché, and popular millet-based ready-to-eat delicacies.
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ORMAS & Rural Livelihoods: Rural producer cooperatives bring forward a diverse basket of goods, from golden grass items and aromatic spices to organic pickles, wild Mahua products, coir crafts, and authentic traditional food items.
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Tribal Heritage & Biodiversity: The pavilion celebrates indigenous knowledge through vibrant Gond and Lanjia Saora paintings, the Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Dongaria Kondh shawl, minor forest produce, and the globally acclaimed Koraput Coffee.
Driving Investment, Trade, and Tourism
Beyond cultural displays, Odisha is actively projecting its industrial strengths, agricultural potential, and robust business ecosystem:
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Export & B2B Platforms: Dedicated networking hubs are facilitating direct interactions among local producers, global buyers, exporters, and investors to scale market access and unlock lucrative trade partnerships.
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Agri-Business & Dairy: OMFED is showcasing trusted cooperative dairy goods alongside organic treasures like Kandhamal Haldi (Turmeric), nutrient-rich millets, traditional black rice varieties, cashews, and honey.
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Odisha Tourism: Interactive displays invite travellers to explore the state’s iconic destinations—from the architectural marvel of the Sun Temple at Konark and Jagannath Dham in Puri to the breathtaking expanse of Chilika Lake and pristine eco-tourism spots.
As IITF-2026 unfolds, Odisha’s pavilion sends a clear message: a state deeply anchored in its roots, empowering its grassroots communities, and confidently marching toward a prosperous, tech-enabled future.
