Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Pavilion at the 45th India International Trade Fair (IITF)-2026, one of India’s premier platforms for trade, commerce, industry and cultural exchange, is set to be inaugurated tomorrow at Hall-3 of Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, by Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg.
With the theme ‘Vikash aur Virasat’, this year’s fair provides an important platform to showcase India’s rich cultural legacy alongside its aspirations for economic growth and modern development.
Reflecting this theme, Odisha is set to present a vibrant and comprehensive showcase of its civilisational heritage, traditional excellence, diverse resources, entrepreneurial potential and emerging economic opportunities.
The Odisha Pavilion, representing the central message of ‘Where Virasat Inspires Vikas’, will bring together the State’s rich legacy and its contemporary development aspirations.
Odisha’s participation brings alive the enduring story of a land where heritage and progress move together. From the maritime legacy of ancient Kalinga and the spiritual grandeur of Jagannath culture to the intricate artistry of its handlooms, handicrafts and tribal traditions, Odisha’s heritage continues to inspire its contemporary development journey. The State is translating its traditional strengths, natural resources, indigenous knowledge and human potential into new opportunities through enterprise, innovation, value addition and sustainable growth.
The Pavilion will bring together a wide spectrum of products, achievements and initiatives represented by various Departments, agencies, institutions, cooperatives, producer organisations and entrepreneurs of the state. It will offer visitors an opportunity to experience Odisha’s distinctive identity through its exquisite handlooms, GI-tagged products, handicrafts, tribal art, agricultural produce, forest-based products, dairy products, rural enterprises and tourism offerings.
A special attraction will be the display of Odisha’s celebrated handloom and handicraft traditions. Sambalpuri textiles, cotton, tussar and silk products, Pattachitra paintings, palm-leaf engravings, silver filigree, Dhokra craft, stone and wood carvings, applique work and other traditional creations will reflect the extraordinary skills of generations of artisans. Live demonstrations of silver filigree, Dhokra casting, stone carving and traditional weaving will provide visitors an opportunity to witness the craftsmanship and techniques behind these remarkable creations.
A demonstration of blockchain-enabled handloom weaving will further highlight the integration of traditional artistry with contemporary technology.
Women’s entrepreneurship and grassroots enterprise will find a distinctive expression through Mission Shakti, showcasing products made by Self-Help Groups (SHGs), including Sabai grass crafts, tribal jewellery, Paper Mache, millet-based products, ready-to-eat delicacies, handlooms and handicrafts.
The participation of rural producer organisations through ORMAS will bring forward a diverse range of products, including Golden Grass crafts, spices, millet products, pickles, Mahua products, coir crafts and traditional food items, reflecting the strength of rural livelihoods and community-led enterprise.
The Pavilion will also highlight Odisha’s tribal heritage and biodiversity through the traditional paintings of Gond and LanjiaSaora communities, the distinctive Dongaria Kondh shawl, Minor Forest Produce, value-added tribal products and Koraput Coffee. These exhibits will celebrate indigenous knowledge, cultural identity and the contribution of tribal communities to the State’s economy. Agricultural products, including millets, Black Rice, traditional rice varieties, cashew, honey, spices, mustard oil and value-added millet products, will further demonstrate Odisha’s potential in sustainable agriculture, food processing and nutritional security.
The State’s economic and business potential will receive particular attention through dedicated Export and B2B platforms. These initiatives will facilitate interactions among producers, entrepreneurs, buyers, exporters, investors and other industry stakeholders, encouraging business partnerships, market access, value addition and investment opportunities. The showcase will also highlight Odisha’s diverse industrial strengths and the potential of its local products to reach national and international markets.
Odisha’s cooperative dairy movement, represented by OMFED, will showcase its dairy products along with organic Kandhamal Haldi, while Odisha Tourism will invite visitors to discover the State’s timeless destinations, including the Sun Temple at Konark, Jagannath Dham at Puri, Chilika Lake, pristine beaches and its vibrant cultural and tribal landscapes.
The participation of Odisha at IITF-2026 is not merely an exhibition of products; it is a presentation of the State’s identity, capabilities and aspirations. It reflects a development journey in which traditional skills are finding new markets, local enterprises are connecting with wider opportunities, women and rural communities are emerging as economic contributors, and cultural heritage is being preserved while embracing innovation and modernisation.
Through this diverse showcase, Odisha seeks to connect its rich Virasat with the opportunities of Vikas, presenting a State deeply rooted in its heritage, steadily progressing towards prosperity and confidently looking towards the future.
