The India International Trade Fair (IITF) is more than just a marketplace; it is a vibrant tapestry showcasing the diversity and entrepreneurial spirit of India. At the 2025 edition held at Pragati Maidan in Delhi, Hall No. 3 transformed into a “Mini-India,” offering visitors a truly immersive journey through the unique crafts, textiles, and organic products of various states.
We took a tour through Hall 3 to bring you the highlights of the top state pavilions, featuring everything from intricate hand-embroidered shawls to innovative organic food products.
📖 Table of Contents
- 1. The Splendor of Jammu & Kashmir: Handcrafts and High-Value Harvests
- Kashmiri Jama and Pashmina
- Agri-Products of the Valley
- 2. Karnataka’s Artistic Legacy and Tamil Nadu’s Coconut Innovation
- Karnataka: Artistry in Wood and Canvas
- Tamil Nadu: The Future of Coconut
- 3. Exploring the Northeast and the Western Coast (Tripura & Goa)
- Tripura: Weaving and Khadi Excellence
- Goa: Traditional Sweets and Spice
- 4. Conclusion: A Celebration of Indian Enterprise
1. The Splendor of Jammu & Kashmir: Handcrafts and High-Value Harvests
The Jammu & Kashmir Pavilion was a major draw, primarily for its world-renowned textiles. Here, the focus was on the luxurious world of Pashmina, Kashmir’s most famous fabric.
- Kashmiri Jama and Pashmina: We discovered the exquisite Kashmiri Jama, a hand-loomed and hand-embroidered woolen garment known for its warmth and incredible craftsmanship. The preparation of a single Jama is a true labor of love, requiring up to two or three years to complete, making it a highly antique and unique piece. Prices reflect this intense labor, with the final price for such an antique item reaching around ₹50,000. A pure Pashmina shawl was also showcased, priced at ₹55,000, with the fabric and embroidery taking a skilled artisan approximately four months to create. More accessible options, such as semi-Pashmina stoles, are available around ₹4,500.
- Agri-Products of the Valley: A separate section highlighted Kashmir’s premium agricultural bounty. Supreme Saffron Private Limited (Meherang brand) displayed certified Kashmiri Saffron, along with other high-value items like:
- Pure Kashmiri Honey (three varieties)
- Ladakh Shilajit resin
- Dry fruits (walnut and almond kernels)
- Kashmiri Kahwa in tea bags—a local first for this traditional beverage.
A key tip from the vendor for authenticating saffron is the “thumb test” or bitterness test, combined with checking for valid company certification.
2. Karnataka’s Artistic Legacy and Tamil Nadu’s Coconut Innovation
The southern states brought their own distinct cultural and commercial flair to Hall 3.
Karnataka: Artistry in Wood and Canvas
Karnataka’s stall featured beautiful hand-crafted goods and traditional art. The artisans showcased various products made from Sandalwood, noting that different varieties serve different purposes:
- White Sandalwood is often used for face applications and is sold by weight, costing around ₹500 per gram.
- Red Sandalwood is primarily reserved for worship and religious rituals.
The booth also presented the beautiful Vijayanagar style paintings, an ancient art form that was promoted by King Krishnadevaraya and has connections to collections found in the National Gallery of Art. Additionally, striking leather lamps, puppets, and wall hangings crafted from goat leather were displayed, with door hanging pairs starting at a modest price of ₹450.
Tamil Nadu: The Future of Coconut
The Department of Agriculture Marketing and Agri-Business from Tamil Nadu focused on promoting value-added coconut products and sustainable farming [17:06]. A refreshing highlight was the Coconut Neera Drink, a 100% natural beverage derived from the coconut sap, containing no added sugar, water, or ice. Other impressive organic products included:
- Coconut Sugar: Extracted from the Neera, it takes 6 liters of Neera to produce 1 kg of sugar, priced at ₹750 per kg.
- Cold-Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil: Created using a cold-process technology, this high-quality oil was priced at ₹700 per liter.
3. Exploring the Northeast and the Western Coast (Tripura & Goa)
Tripura: Weaving and Khadi Excellence
The Tripura Khadi and Village Industries Board showcased their long-standing commitment to indigenous crafts, which has been in operation since 1966. The pavilion featured:
- Hand-Woven Textiles: A variety of cotton and woolen goods, including the local Uttariya (stole) priced very affordably at just ₹125. Handloom sarees were also on display, ranging from ₹550 to ₹1,740.
- Agro-Products: In addition to textiles, Tripura is famous for its bamboo products, rubber, and its very flavorful honey. An educational exhibit detailing the life cycle and preparation process of Mulberry Silk provided insight into how silk sarees are crafted.
4. Goa: Traditional Sweets and Spice
The Goa Pavilion offered a taste of the Western coast’s unique flavors and cultural fusion. Must-try traditional items included:
- Bor Khaja (Bodh Sweet): A traditional winter sweet made with jaggery and ginger, commonly sold at local temple fairs. A quarter kilogram packet is priced at ₹100.
- Bebinca: The classic Goan layered sweet dish introduced by the Portuguese, containing coconut and wheat flour.
- Cashew Feni: Goa’s famed specialty alcoholic beverage, fermented from cashew fruit, available for around ₹2,000.
- Harmal Chillies: These are GI-tagged and known for their extreme spiciness and bright flavor, sold for ₹100 per packet.
The diversity in Hall 3 also extended beyond state pavilions, with interesting finds like organic Black Cumin (Kalonji) products from Chennai, including oil for hair/body (₹660) and powder to help manage blood pressure and cholesterol (₹430).
The Trade Fair 2025 proved once again to be a testament to India’s vast cultural and artisanal wealth. From the intricate Pashmina of Kashmir to the organic honey of Tripura and the unique spices of Goa, Hall 3 was a destination for discovery, trade, and appreciation of regional excellence.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Indian Enterprise
The Trade Fair 2025, specifically the vibrant displays within Hall 3, served as a powerful reminder of India’s economic and cultural resilience. Beyond the sheer variety of products—from the centuries-old art of Vijayanagar painting to the modern innovation of cold-pressed coconut oil—the fair highlights the enduring connection between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary commerce.
Every shawl, every bottle of organic Neera, and every piece of sandalwood tells a story of local expertise, sustainable production, and generational knowledge. The IITF is not just a platform for sales; it is a vital stage where local industries gain global recognition, helping to preserve and promote the true essence of “Made in India.” Whether you are a buyer, an entrepreneur, or a cultural enthusiast, the Hall 3 pavilions offered an invaluable glimpse into the heart of India’s unique trade landscape.
The trade fair featured four diverse states: Kashmir, Karnataka, Tripura, and Goa, each showcasing their unique handicrafts, local products, and cultural highlights.
Kashmir’s pavilion displayed Pashmina shawls, papier-mâché items, and intricate handicrafts, reflecting the state’s rich cultural heritage and artistic talent.
Karnataka offered a mix of traditional crafts like handlooms and sandalwood products, along with innovative products, showing the state’s balance of culture and modern industry.
Tripura highlighted the artistry of India’s northeast, featuring bamboo crafts, handwoven textiles, and traditional jewelry, helping visitors explore lesser-known regional talents.
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