City’s cultural, entrepreneurial strength on showcase at trade fair

Ten vibrant stalls — including five by the UT Administration, departments and boards and five by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) — put a spotlight on the city’s rich cultural heritage, innovative products and progressive governance initiatives.

The pavilion set up at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025 was curated on the national theme “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.” Deputy Commissioner (DC) Nishant Kumar Yadav visited the pavilion and interacted with participants.

He encouraged them to take part in such national platforms to expand visibility and growth opportunities, assuring every possible support from the UT Administration. He also warmly invited the residents of Chandigarh to visit the pavilion and explore the diverse range of products and initiatives on display.

The Chandigarh pavilion presents an engaging mix of traditional craftsmanship and modern utility products. Visitors can explore Punjabi dabka-embroidered suits, handloom carpets, heritage wooden chairs, brass artefacts, emergency lights, aromatic products, and an extensive range of Chandigarh-themed souvenirs such as temperature bottles, canvas bags, magnets, notebooks, calendars, mugs and canvas artworks.

A strong representation from local MSMEs includes units engaged in hand embroidery, carpets, emergency lighting equipment, wooden heritage furniture, brass handicrafts, handloom products, and artisan groups supported under PM Vishwakarma and NULM.

The Museum and Art Gallery also showcased Chandigarh’s cultural and artistic heritage. CITCO and Chandigarh Tourism presented the city’s architectural legacy, garden tourism circuit, weekend getaways and hospitality offerings, along with the popular double-decker hop-on hop-off bus.

Besides, the Jail Department exhibited skill-based products crafted by inmates as part of rehabilitation and vocational training initiatives.

The pavilion highlighted key government programmes such as PMEGP, PM Vishwakarma, and NULM, reinforcing Chandigarh’s commitment to empowering artisans, promoting traditional crafts, strengthening the MSME ecosystem and advancing inclusive development. “With a blend of governance, heritage, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the Chandigarh Pavilion stands out as a comprehensive representation of the city’s creative spirit and progressive identity at IITF-2025,” said the DC.