Maiden ‘Bhartiya Swadeshi Mela’ in Delhi from May 1-5

In a first, the “Bhartiya Swadeshi Mela” will be organised from May 1 to 5 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, officials from the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said on Thursday.

They said the event is positioned as a major boost to the government’s “Vocal for Local” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” missions and will showcase the nation’s growing strength in trade, commerce, culture and innovation.

The announcement came during a meeting of the Swadeshi Mela Organising Board, headed by board Chairperson Dr Ram Gopal Goyal. The event is being organised by CAIT in association with Swadeshi Jagran Manch, Laghu Udyog Bharati, MSME Development Forum and multiple national trade bodies, federations and chambers.

The concept was suggested by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal during CAIT’s National Trade Leaders Meet on November 25 in New Delhi.

Exhibitors from every major sector of goods and services are expected to participate in the event, creating what organisers call an “unprecedented” public platform for India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The event is planned as a large-scale interactive festival, with thematic decor, cultural ambience, live demonstrations by artisans and startups, stage performances, celebrity appearances and food courts representing diverse regional cuisines. Family-friendly attractions and engagement zones for youth and children will be part of the experience as well.

CAIT Secretary General and Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal said the mela will be a grand celebration of India’s entrepreneurial strength and cultural richness. He said the platform will enable lakhs of traders, artisans, manufacturers and start-ups to expand their businesses, access new markets and contribute to economic growth. CAIT National President BC Bhartia said the event will accelerate the journey towards a “Viksit Bharat: by positioning India as an international business hub for MSMEs and opening global opportunities for Made-in-India products.

He added that regional and international editions of the mela are planned after the New Delhi debut.

The officials said CAIT will launch a nationwide promotional campaign and has begun forming specialised committees to handle infrastructure, branding, security, cultural programming, exhibitor coordination, government liaison and visitor management.

Central ministries, state governments and foreign embassies will be invited to set up pavilions to promote investments, partnerships and export potential. International business delegations are expected to attend and hold discussions with Indian industries during the five-day festival.