Odisha to showcase heritage, crafts and economic potential at IITF-2026

Bhubaneswar/New Delhi, Nov 13: Odisha will showcase its rich cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship, indigenous products and emerging economic opportunities at the 45th India International Trade Fair (IITF)-2026, which begins at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, officials saod on Friday. 

The Odisha Pavilion, themed ‘Where Virasat Inspires Vikas’, will be inaugurated on November 14 by Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Hall-3. The fair, organised around the theme ‘Vikash aur Virasat’, seeks to bring together India's cultural legacy and aspirations for economic development.

Heritage meets development

The State's participation will highlight Odisha's civilisational heritage, maritime history, Jagannath culture, traditional handlooms, handicrafts and tribal traditions, while showcasing their potential to generate livelihoods and economic opportunities.

The pavilion will feature an extensive range of products and initiatives represented by government departments, institutions, cooperatives, producer organisations and entrepreneurs. Visitors will get an opportunity to explore Odisha's handlooms, geographical indication (GI)-tagged products, handicrafts, agricultural produce, forest-based products, dairy items and tourism offerings.

Sambalpuri textiles, cotton, tussar and silk products, Pattachitra paintings, palm-leaf engravings, silver filigree, Dhokra crafts, stone and wood carvings and applique work will form a major attraction. Live demonstrations of traditional weaving, silver filigree, Dhokra casting and stone carving will offer insights into the craftsmanship of Odisha's artisans.

A demonstration of blockchain-enabled handloom weaving will also highlight the integration of traditional skills with modern technology.

Women, tribal enterprises in focus

Mission Shakti will showcase products manufactured by Self-Help Groups, including Sabai grass crafts, tribal jewellery, Paper Mache, millet-based products, handlooms and ready-to-eat delicacies.

The Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) will present products from rural producer organisations, including Golden Grass crafts, spices, millet products, pickles, Mahua products, coir crafts and traditional food items.

The pavilion will also celebrate tribal heritage and biodiversity through Gond and Lanjia Saora paintings, Dongaria Kondh shawls, minor forest produce, tribal products and Koraput Coffee.

Agricultural exhibits will include millets, black rice, traditional rice varieties, cashew, honey, spices and mustard oil, highlighting opportunities in sustainable agriculture and food processing.
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Business and tourism opportunities

Dedicated export and business-to-business (B2B) platforms will facilitate interactions among producers, entrepreneurs, buyers, exporters and investors, with the objective of expanding market access, encouraging partnerships and attracting investment.

OMFED will showcase dairy products alongside organic Kandhamal Haldi, while Odisha Tourism will promote destinations such as the Konark Sun Temple, Jagannath Dham at Puri, Chilika Lake, beaches and tribal landscapes.

The State's participation seeks to connect traditional skills and local enterprises with wider markets, while promoting women's entrepreneurship, rural livelihoods and sustainable development.

Through the showcase, Odisha aims to demonstrate how its cultural heritage can contribute to economic growth, innovation and prosperity while retaining its distinctive identity.