Quintessential Delhi finds place in trade fair

The fair will showcase an array of products from diverse sectors.

New Delhi: Images from Commonwealth Games, jewellery from Chandni Chowk and mouth-watering food items made in Tihar Jail -- the Delhi Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) has it all.

The fair at the Pragati Maidan, which attracts at least a lakh visitors daily, kicked off today and will showcase an array of products from diverse sectors. Delhi Pavilion was inaugurated by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who got a virtual tour of the capital as she watched glimpses of the various landmarks on the screen. Visuals of the recently concluded Commonwealth Games were galore at the pavilion as pictures of Indian athletes lined its walls and the rhythms of Palash Sen`s `Dilli Meri Jaan,` one of the songs of the Games, greeted visitors. The pavilion also exhibits eco-friendly products like Khadi and herbal goods, in keeping with the fair`s theme -- clean and energy efficient technology, products and services. Another stall exhibited jewellery items made in Chandni Chowk. Fresh from her visit to Japan, Dikshit inaugurated the Delhi pavilion on the opening day of the 30th edition of IITF. "The exhibits are wonderful," commented Dikshit after her hour-long tour of the Delhi pavilion. While appreciating the facade of the pavilion, the theme of this year`s fair also came in for much praise from the chief minister. "Green is the word that is doing the rounds now. By focussing on eco-friendly products and clean energy, not only are we showcasing various innovative technologies of the country but we are also spreading awareness about the importance of going green," she said. Organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation, the IITF is considered among the world`s largest integrated trade fairs. IITF-2009 saw nearly 7,000 exhibitors from 28 countries taking part in the global event. This year`s edition has 23 countries participating in the fair. Cultural programmes will also be presented at six venues inside Pragati Maidan, where the fair is taking place. These include ghazals, street plays, classical dance, vocal and instrumental music. The fortnight-long fair will be on till November 27. PTI