Jharkhand drew strong attention at IITF 2025 with its cultural performances, artisan crafts and SHG products. Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar outlined a future-ready development vision while the pavilion showcased tribal arts, handloom, khadi and rural enterprise. A packed cultural evening made Jharkhand Day one of the fair’s key highlights.
Jharkhand turned into one of the main attractions at the 44th India International Trade Fair on Tuesday as the state celebrated Jharkhand Day with a packed cultural evening, a vibrant display of crafts and strong messaging on its development roadmap. Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar inaugurated the programme at Bharat Mandapam and said the government aims to build a capable, prosperous and future-ready state.
Chief Secretary Sets Development Vision
Avinash Kumar visited the pavilion, offered floral tribute to Birsa Munda’s statue and lit the lamp to mark the start of Jharkhand Day. He reviewed all 32 stalls and interacted with artisans, SHGs and entrepreneurs. He said the government is giving equal priority to culture, tradition and development. The state is focusing on education, health, roads, sports, technology, drinking water and air connectivity. He added that Jharkhand wants to position itself as a confident and modern state with strong roots in its heritage.
Culture and Creative Economy at the Centre
The pavilion showcased a mix of cultural identity and economic ambition. Tribal arts, handloom, khadi, natural products and rural enterprises were among the major draws. Artisans and SHGs received strong visitor interest for their work, including Sohrai and Paitkar paintings, bamboo crafts, brass artefacts, carpets and traditional weaves. The creative economy formed a clear theme, showing how rural and tribal talent is creating new income opportunities.
Jharkhand Day Cultural Evening Draws a Full House
The cultural programme at the Natyashala Theatre became one of the highlights of the day. Performances by Jharkhand’s folk artists kept the audience engaged throughout the evening. Chhau by Tapan Nayak and his team, Nagpuri by Kishore Nayak, Mundari by Sukhram Pahan, Oraon dance by Krishna Bhagat and the impressive Paika performance led by Ashok Kachhap received enthusiastic applause. The evening reflected the depth of Jharkhand’s folk traditions and how they continue to shape the state’s cultural identity.
A 32-Stall Pavilion That Stood Out
This year’s pavilion offered one of the most diverse displays from Jharkhand. Institutional stalls like Jharkhand Khadi and Village Industries Board, Jharkraft, Palash Mart, Fisheries Directorate and the Chief Minister’s Micro and Cottage Enterprises Development Board drew heavy footfall. Traditional art stalls such as Paitkar and Sohrai paintings remained major attractions. Local entrepreneurs showcased a wide range of handmade work. These included crafts and products from Makbool Jadhopatia, Geeta Verma, Sandhya Singh Kuntia, Anita Mandal, Anupa Kujur, Aarti Devi Handloom, Rajat Kumar Handloom, Amolina Saras, Oem Creation, Aisha Handloom, Damu Bodra, Baby Kumari, Bogendra Paswan and Shanti Vijay and Company.
Blending Tradition with a Modern Growth Story
The pavilion highlighted how Jharkhand is positioning tradition and enterprise alongside modern development. Crafts, SHG products and cultural performances reflected the state’s heritage, while the Chief Secretary’s remarks pointed to a growth model driven by technology, infrastructure and connectivity. This mix of heritage and ambition shaped the core narrative of the pavilion.
High Footfall Confirms Visitor Interest
Jharkhand emerged as one of the most visited pavilions at IITF 2025. Its design, cultural stage, live art demonstrations and interactive stalls kept visitors engaged throughout the day. The presence of women-led SHGs and rural producers added a strong grassroots dimension, showing how local talent is creating both economic and social value.
Khadi, Handloom and Tribal Heritage in Focus
Khadi and handloom products received notable attention. The Khadi Board stall showcased traditional weaves, natural fabrics and tribal textile patterns. These sections helped position Jharkhand as a strong player in the handloom and textile segment, appealing to both domestic buyers and wholesale traders.
A Message for Investors and Stakeholders
The pavilion also highlighted Jharkhand’s push for MSMEs, rural enterprise, tourism and creative industries. For investors and trade partners, the fair offered a look at the state’s economic strengths, skilled artisan base and business-ready environment. With a strong display of art, culture and enterprise, Jharkhand positioned itself as a state with both tradition and momentum.
Jharkhand’s presence at IITF 2025 reflected a clear blend of heritage, creativity and forward-looking development. The pavilion brought together folk culture, craft excellence and the state’s economic priorities in a unified narrative. The lively cultural evening and strong visitor turnout showed how Jharkhand’s identity continues to evolve with both confidence and continuity.