The 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025 has turned Bharat Mandapam into a vibrant exhibition hub, bringing together traditional artisans, rural entrepreneurs, MSMEs, startups and innovators from across the country. With more than 3,500 participants, this year’s fair—held under the theme Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat—has emerged as a major platform for first-generation entrepreneurs and home-grown brands to expand their market reach.
Inaugurated on November 14, the 14-day event is enabling small producers and rural craftsmen to test demand, connect with wholesale and retail buyers, and access various state and central government support systems. For many participants, IITF continues to be the most important annual marketplace for scaling their enterprises.
One of India’s largest trade exhibitions, IITF has been organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) since 1980. The fair has grown into a major showcase of India’s manufacturing strength, innovation and traditional crafts. In 2024, it attracted over a million visitors. Bharat Mandapam, where the fair is held, features a world-class 7,000-seat convention hall, seven exhibition halls and more than 100,000 sq. m of display area.
Among the key highlights this year is the journey of Bihar’s Sridhi Kumari, a Bhagalpuri silk artisan attending IITF for the first time. Displaying GI-tagged Bhagalpuri silk and zari work, the 45-year-old said state support and guidance from officials helped her navigate the processes involved in participating. She added that the fair offers significant income potential during and after the event, based on her experience at GI Mahotsav earlier this year.
Nearby, veteran weaver Tarun Pandey from Nalanda, participating for the eighth time, showcased Baavanbuti sarees woven with fine motifs. He said IITF remains his most important exhibition, with earnings equivalent to two to two-and-a-half months of his income. Many customers return every year specifically looking for “the weaver from Nalanda.”
In the Maharashtra pavilion, Hingoli-based farmer-turned-entrepreneur Prahlad Ramrao Borgad and his wife Kaveri presented organic pulses, turmeric, ginger and pickles under their brand ‘Surya Farmers’. Borgad, who switched to organic farming in 2012, said platforms like IITF offer more than sales—they help farmers understand consumer expectations and professional product presentation. He estimates that his IITF income equals four to five months of earnings, with additional orders coming in after the event.
Also from Maharashtra, Rukmani Ganeshpat Salge from Latur brought Godhari quilts, a traditional craft practiced by generations of women in her region. Participating for the first time, she said the fair provides visibility to a handmade art form facing competition from machine-made alternatives.
Jharkhand, the partner state at IITF 2025, is showcasing tribal crafts and enterprises as it marks 25 years of statehood. Lac bangle artisan Jhabar Mal, now in his sixth year at the fair, said repeat buyers and pre-orders motivate him to return each year despite modest earnings during the exhibition days. Orders received after the fair support nearly 400 Adivasi women associated with his cooperative, Lah Hasta Shilpa Swabalambi Sahakari Samitee Limited.
Participants emphasise that trade fairs like IITF function as long-term economic ecosystems. Beyond immediate sales, they create permanent customer bases, link small businesses with distributors, and expose artisans and farmers to new market trends. Many exhibitors report earnings equivalent to several months’ income, along with steady repeat orders.
The 2025 edition aligns with India’s broader goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, reflecting the country’s economic resilience and expanding trade networks, including ongoing free trade agreements with global partners.
As the event progresses, Bharat Mandapam’s pavilions continue to highlight stories of determination, heritage and ambition. For entrepreneurs like Sridhi, Tarun, Prahlad, Rukmani and Jhabar, IITF is a transformative platform where traditional skills meet modern opportunities, helping small businesses gain national visibility and momentum.