India International Trade Fair- 2018

From my early childhood memories, Trade Fair holds a special place.  Each year during our visit to my aunt after exams (Education was much simpler in those days). I used to count days on my fingers for days left to visit trade fair. My first visit was most special for me. 

Me and my cousins ran from stall to stall to collect different colorful pamphlets just for fun. It was sort of game that who will collect the most. This year though construction is going on in Pragati Maidan where trade fair is organized every year. The area for the fair is considerably limited but it still brings back the nostalgia of child hood. 

First ever International Trade fair organized in the year of 1980. India Trade Promotion agency or ITPO organize this event every year in the month of November from 14^th To 27^th. This event which is one of the major event for both business and consumer community is organized in Pragati Maidan, which is in capital of India, Delhi.

Trade Fair is organized for accelerating the business growth in India as well as promoting business and trade relations with other countries as well. Keeping this in focus, Trade Fair is closed for public for first four days from 14^th November to 17^th November.

 At this time, the business and trade promoters strengthen their business relations. From 18th November, trade fair is opened to all. Trade Fair is ticketed entry, that can be purchased from different locations such as Delhi Metro, Mother Dairy Outlets, Online etc.

This year Trade Fair's Ticket are available at 66 Metro Stations at Customer Care Centers between 8:30 AM To 4:30 PM. I reached Pragati Maidan location through Delhi Metro as it is quite convenient without the hassle of finding Parking for car etc. I purchased my ticket at one of the Delhi metro station. Though it was working day the crowd was overwhelming but the management by Delhi Police and organizers was equally good. To Control crowd multiple entry lines were created.

Its best to go empty handed if you just want to visit Trade Fair but I bet you won't return without buying anything, so, bring a back pack or carry bag to keep your shopping.

There are three major buildings this time one is for the states, another is for international countries and third is for consumer goods. Earlier it used to be multi pavilion experience with each state mostly gets its own pavilion and is whole day marathon event with the family.

I find Trade Fair to be biggest event in India, which is organized at massive scale but this year Trade Fair was little conservative in terms of size of event. Pragati Maidan is under massive reconstruction. All its buildings except currently used for Trade Fair had been razed and new age buildings are under construction to replace aging buildings.

Thus, the event is more over crowded than ever. The choice of shops is limited and prices are bit on higher side due to limited choices. Even the food choices are quite limited and expensive. So, bring your own food if possible.

In the end, visiting trade fair is larger than life experience with so much to explore and experience. If you can tolerate crowd, Trade Fair is for you. It's like thanksgiving event of India (no pun intended).