Mixed bag for State stalls at IITF
Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun Hanghal

New Delhi, November 19 2011: A range of handloom, handicraft, food and other ethnic handmade products from the State have been put up in rows displaying Manipur's rich diversity in arts , culture and tradition at the ongoing 31st India International Trade Fair ( IITF 2011) that was inaugurated on November 14 by Union Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi.

The fair will conclude on November 27 .

Manipur Pavillion has a total of 32 stalls with items comprising of handmade flowers, traditional wear, jewellery, pottery, gift items, show piece etc.

Manipuri delicacies are also available at the "Food Court" .

"The State's products and particants are selected in accordance to the year's theme " Magic of the Gifted Hand" a promotion of Indian Handicraft / Handwork" said Pavillion Director Ksh Shantakumar Singh.

On specific State day of Manipur to be held on November 23, cultural program including fashion show, martial arts , classical and traditional dance will be performed.

MLA Bijoy Koijam, Dy Chairman, State Planning Board will grace the occasion as Chief Guest, informed the State Pavillion Director .

A shopper takes a look at the product of Manipur

First time participant, Komlasana Devi, proprietor of Khurai Chingabam Leikai Women Development Society feels that the business is not what she expected.

She said " there is language barrier and everybody wants cheap cost products only" .

Her products comprising of traditional wears is " a long process that requires a lot of handwork and patience" she laments.

Most of the stalls have young boys and girl to do the "explaining" to customers about the products.

At the KR Mingyaola , Hamleikhong and Tuinem Kullen Potttery Association, two young boys were seen wooing visitors in broken English and Hindi.

In between their 'public relations' they inform that the traditional pottery sells quite well.

Loidang Devi, whose products comprise of traditional "kouna" made bags, containers, mats, etc, attracted customers.

According to Loidang this comes after a lot of query about the products, its raw material and technical aspects from the customers.

She and her team receives orders for supply , some customers even come with their own additional design as well.

Loktak Fish product stall was "stoppers stop" for northeast people living in Delhi, as they get "Ngari", hentak pickles and other fish products, a delicacy away from Home.

State awardee, Manihar narrated that there is not much awareness of cane products and its industry which is the reason why customers feel that prices of his products are high cost.

Not relenting and enthusiastically explaining his cane and bamboo products to visitors / customers, " those who understand, and those who know the quality buy and they even place an order," said Manihar.

Organized by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), this year the partner States are Jharkhand and West Bengal, with Bihar and Orissa as State focus.

All the Indian States and union territories participat through their respective pavilions including 230 overseas companies.

The IITF is the largest integrated trade with both B2B (Business to Business) and B2C (Business to Consumer) components.

Besides an iconic National event for India, it is one of the largest trade fairs in the world both in terms of exhibitor and visitor participation.