Indian bridal fair in Australia hit by economic crisis

Melbourne: The global economic meltdown has not spared the annual `Indian Bridal Fair` this season with major participants pulling out of the show after Indian government and corporates failed to lend support citing financial crunch.The two-day fair, which started yesterday and taking place for the first time here, with all the glitz and glamour of an Indian wedding available under one roof, failed to attract a large number of people and participants after Indian government and Air India pulled out of the show citing inadequacy of funds.

"We had no support from Indian government or corporate this year. We used to get support from Air India but they pulled out this year because of financial crunch," Nana Laxman, organiser of the fair and managing director of India Trade Centre, said. "It is the only fair of its kind and first one to be held in Melbourne. It is our fourth year and the number of exhibitors are very few as compared to Sydney fair that attracts a large crowd," Laxman said. Laxman said such event is a positive effort to promote Indian tourism. "We believe with the vast range and variety of quality bridal products and services available here, one no longer needs to go to India for trousseau shopping." Melbourne-based India Trade centre is a consulting firm, which specialises in promoting trade between Australia and India in terms of joint ventures and trade exhibitions. The main attraction of the two-day fair was a `Single Meet’, which was organised with Bharat Matrimony. The Single meet was another event that provided singles to have a chance meet their potential soul mates. As many as 60 to 70 people attended the meet in a bid to look for their life partners. Laxman said the meet was a big success in Sydney last year and was now being held at Melbourne. Laxman said next year the fair will also include `Astrology, palmistry and numerology exhibitors that is expected to woo Indian and Australian as it was an area of interest globally.` Bureau Report