New Delhi, Nov 17: The 43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) is in full swing, and Odisha's pavilion has emerged as a crowd favorite, earning widespread acclaim for its artistic brilliance and cultural vibrancy. Dubbed the ‘Odisha Mandap,’ it has become a standout attraction, drawing thousands of visitors from across India and abroad.
With the IITF's theme Viksit Bharat @ 2047, the Odisha Pavilion strikes a perfect harmony between showcasing its rich heritage and envisioning a future of progress. The pavilion features 25 exclusive stalls, highlighting Odia artistry, cultural diversity, and state-driven development initiatives. Visitors can explore tribal art and crafts, products from Mission Shakti Self-Help Groups, Kandhamal spices, organic items like Kalajira rice and palm candy, and culinary delights such as Berhampur pickles, Sri Anna-based dishes, and brown rice flakes.
The OTDC stall has become a hotspot for authentic Odia cuisine, offering delicacies like pitha, rasagola, chhena jhili, chhenapoda, and dahibara, capturing the true essence of Odisha's culinary heritage.
The pavilion’s architectural splendor is a major draw. Iconic designs inspired by the Mukteswar and Ratnagiri arches, along with a recreation of the Konark Sun Temple at the entrance and exit, provide a visual treat for visitors. Live demonstrations of traditional crafts like Pattachitra, filigree, and Sabai grass art add an interactive and dynamic element to the experience.
Since its inauguration, the Odisha Pavilion has welcomed over 43,000 visitors and recorded business transactions exceeding ₹14 lakh. Visitors, dignitaries, and artists alike have praised the pavilion for its impeccable portrayal of Odisha's identity and its journey towards contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat.