The 43rd IITF organised by the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) is being held from November 14 to 27 in the national capital.
The West Bengal Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2024 stands as a dynamic representation of the state’s vibrant cultural heritage and its journey towards economic development. Aligning with the fair’s theme, “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), the pavilion brings to the forefront the unique blend of West Bengal’s traditional craftsmanship, indigenous knowledge, and modern economic growth.
Visitors to the pavilion will find a stunning array of exhibits that showcase the state’s rich cultural and industrial diversity. These include intricate handwoven textiles, vibrant traditional crafts, and a glimpse into the state’s evolving growth story across various sectors. The pavilion effectively highlights West Bengal’s historical legacy while also emphasizing its present-day advancements in industry and technology.
The IITF has long served as an important platform for West Bengal to promote its key industries, from handicrafts and handlooms to agriculture, tourism, and technology. At this year’s event, the pavilion not only celebrates the state’s traditional art forms, such as Baluchari and Kantha embroidery, but also features its growing sectors in IT, manufacturing, and sustainable agriculture.
The West Bengal Pavilion was formally inaugurated on 14th November 2024 by Mrs. Ujjaini Datta, Resident Commissioner of the Government of West Bengal. Designed to showcase the state’s vibrant spirit and industrial culture, the pavilion features eight participating departments, including MSME & Textiles, Tourism, Tribal Development, and more. It includes 17 stalls, with one dedicated to Bengal’s famous sweets.
Mrs. Datta highlighted the state’s UNESCO-recognized Durga Puja and the pavilion’s display of Bengal’s rich handicrafts, such as Santipur and Murshidabad sarees, Kantha embroidery, and Baluchari sarees. Other items on display include Panchmura terracotta, Sitalpati mats, Shantiniketan leather, and GI-tagged products like Darjeeling Tea, Bengal Dokra, and “Nakshi Kantha.”
The pavilion also emphasizes the “Biswa Bangla” initiative, showcasing Bengal’s crafts, culture, and tourism, including its renowned sites like the Sundarbans, Darjeeling, and Santiniketan. Signature state development projects, such as Swasthya Sathi and Kanyashree, are also highlighted.
“WB Pavilion offers a glimpse of the State’s rich cultural heritage, GI tag products some of which are: Darjeeling Tea, “Baluchari Saree” woven in and around Bishnupur, “leather goods” of Shanti Niketan, “Nakshi Kantha” from Birbhum, “Sitabhog and Mihidana” of Bardhaman, “Bengal Dokra”, “Bengal Pattachitra”, Purulia “Chhau Masks”, “Gobinda Bhog” and “Tulai Panji” rice, etc.” “Biswa Bangla” an initiative, through which all aspects of Bengal’s crafts, culture, and creativity are projected under a single umbrella to build a “Brand Bengal” in the international market is being showcased through tourism options, baluchori, and tant sarees, nokshi kantha, tulaipanji rice, varieties of sweets, clay dolls, candles, and several other handicrafts. These find a place in the pavilion and are on display as well as for sale.
“Our Pavilion displays the signature development projects of the State Government. The Pavilion fascia indicates the progress in the social and economic sectors under the guidance of a visionary dynamic and pro-development leadership spearheaded by the Hon’ble Chief Minister”.
On display are pioneering schemes like Swasthya Sathi, Kanyashree (UN Public Services Awardee), Duare Sarkar, Sabar Ghare Alo, Roopashree etc.
West Bengal’s tourism offerings, such as the Sundarbans, Darjeeling, Kolkata, and Santiniketan, were featured. The pavilion highlighted the state’s heritage tourism, ecotourism, and medical tourism, which are increasingly becoming popular. The State is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites viz., Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, Shanti Niketan, and Sunderban National Park.
In addition, the pavilion offers a glimpse of West Bengal’s culinary diversity, live cultural performances by Dhakis and Bauls, and a focus on sustainability in areas like renewable energy and agriculture. West Bengal Day will be celebrated on 26th November 2024 with a cultural performance from Kolkata artists nominated by the I&CA department,” she added.
Given the diverse culture and economy of West Bengal, the pavilion is a vibrant showcase of the state’s progress and potential. It will serve as a platform for trade and commerce while also facilitating cultural exchange, highlighting West Bengal’s contributions to India’s growth story.
Dhakis and Bauls will perform at our Pavilion live throughout the Fair. West Bengal’s participation in the IITF 2024 reaffirms its status as a cultural and industrial powerhouse, demonstrating both its heritage and its forward-looking development trajectory.
