Red Fort themed Delhi pavilion opens at International Trade Fair

The 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) began at Bharat Mandapam on Friday, and the Delhi Pavilion stood out from the moment the gates opened, welcoming people into a Red Fort-inspired space that blended the Capital’s heritage with its growing entrepreneurial strength.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the pavilion on the first floor of Hall 2, after which she toured the stalls and spoke with women entrepreneurs, MSMEs, start-ups and artisans.

She said the fair reflected “Delhi’s innovation, creativity and self-reliance” and added that the government was committed to supporting small businesses. “Delhi’s local entrepreneurs, especially women, are carving a new place for themselves on the global stage through their talent and perseverance,” she said, encouraging residents to explore the pavilion and “extend their support to the artisans and women-led units showcasing exceptional work.”

The pavilion, designed around the Red Fort, features a replica of India Gate at its centre along with illustrations of the Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Jantar Mantar and photographs of the Delhi Metro. District-wise stalls showcase products ranging from festive food items and handmade fabrics to décor pieces and socially driven crafts.

One of the stalls was set up by Access Development Services, an NGO that has recently started an initiative to support working women in Delhi by giving them a platform to market their products.

Seema, who runs Flavour Hut bakery under this initiative, brought an assortment of cookies, chocolates, cakes and hampers priced between Rs 10 and Rs 1,000. “We have brought a lot of Christmas-themed products to showcase and get orders for next month,” she said.

“We have several flavours of chocolates as well, including almond, coffee, paan, nankhatai, orange and more.”

A few steps away, Riya of Kanta Enterprises displayed her collection of fabrics and unstitched suits. Her stall highlighted detailed handwork including hand-painting, katana, kantha embroidery, wool work and motif designs. “The concept is open for the customers — they can make anything they want, from corsets and kurtis to shirts. These designs work for both men and women. Today’s style is unisex, and people like that.” Her price range begins at Rs 999 and goes up to Rs 4,000 for three-piece suit.

Products made by inmates of Tihar Jail also found space at the pavilion, including cakes, oils, wooden handicrafts, a miniature of the Ram Mandir and woodwork featuring the Gayatri Mantra. Under the Social Welfare Department, Asha Kiran brought items made by children with intellectual disabilities.

Among the craft stalls, the vivid patchwork wall hangings created by Shobha immediately stood out. She has been practicing applique work for 25 years and explained how each piece begins with collecting and matching small fabric patches. “These are wall pieces made from small patches,” she said. “Normally, if someone else makes it, it takes 10–15 days. If I make it, I can finish one in a day.” Originally from Gujarat and now based in Delhi, she added, “This style is called applique work — when we join patches together.”

With its mix of tradition, handmade skill and the entrepreneurial energy of the city’s artisans, the Delhi Pavilion offered a vibrant start to the India International Trade Fair’s opening day, setting the tone for the days ahead.