Odisha’s Golden Moment: Celebrating the Brilliance of IITF 2025
The India International Trade Fair transforms New Delhi into a vibrant crossroads where cultures meet, innovations unfold, and state pavilions compete to tell their best stories. But this year—the 44th edition of IITF—belonged to one state in particular: Odisha, the land of temples, textiles and timeless traditions.
Walking through the sprawling corridors of Bharat Mandapam, one could feel the pulse of India at its brightest. With over 18 lakh visitors pouring in across 14 days, the fair wasn’t just an exhibition—it was a festival of ideas, commerce and culture. And at the heart of this grand spectacle stood Odisha’s award-winning pavilion, shimmering with creativity, heritage and vision.
A Pavilion That Stopped Visitors in Their Tracks
Odisha’s pavilion, adorned with intricate art, handwoven weaves and immersive storytelling, felt less like an exhibition space and more like a journey through the state’s soul.
From appliqué craftsmanship and tribal art to future-ready development projects, every corner showcased the harmony between Odisha’s past and its aspirations for 2036—a prosperous, innovative and culturally anchored future.
Curated under the supervision of the Information & Public Relations Department, the pavilion featured 26 stalls across nine state departments, bringing rural artisans, government innovators and cultural icons under one elegant roof.
Visitors lingered, cameras clicked, and conversations flowed. It wasn’t surprising, then, when Odisha walked away with the Gold Medal in the States and Union Territories category—a distinction the state has now secured multiple times, reaffirming its place as a national frontrunner.
ନୂଆଦିଲ୍ଲୀରେ ଆୟୋଜିତ ଭାରତ ଆନ୍ତର୍ଜାତିକ ବାଣିଜ୍ଯ ମେଳା-୨୦୨୫ରେ ଓଡ଼ିଶା ମଣ୍ଡପକୁ ସର୍ବୋତ୍କୃଷ୍ଟ ପ୍ରଦର୍ଶନ ନିମନ୍ତେ ସ୍ବର୍ଣ୍ଣ ପଦକ ପ୍ରାପ୍ତ ହୋଇଛି।
The Odisha Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair 2025 has received “Gold Medal” for excellence in display. #IITF2025 @ITPODesk @CMO_Odisha pic.twitter.com/ZwsmT4KZ1E
— I & PR Department, Odisha (@IPR_Odisha) November 27, 2025
A Chief Minister’s Pride, A State’s Achievement
Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi was among the first to congratulate Team Odisha, calling the win “a proud milestone that elevates Odisha’s stature on national and global platforms.”
During his visit on Odisha State Day, he paused at several exhibits, admiring the thoughtful curation of art, culture and technological progress. He applauded the artisans and officials who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring the pavilion not only impressed aesthetically but also conveyed a powerful message—that Odisha is ready to lead, inspire and innovate.
A Fair That Looked Like India, Felt Like India, and Dreamt Like India
IITF 2025 wasn’t just about awards—it was a kaleidoscope of colours, languages and ideas.
Rajasthan, Bihar, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh took the stage as Partner States, while Jharkhand led as the Focus State.
Foreign pavilions—from Thailand to Iran and Dubai—added a global charm, but this year’s fair had a distinctly Indian heartbeat, echoing the theme “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”
The SARAS Aajeevika Mela, a highlight of the fair, gave rural women entrepreneurs a platform to shine. From Gujarat to Assam, women artisans narrated stories of empowerment, entrepreneurship and dreams taking flight.
Innovation Meets Imagination
From ministries unveiling futuristic technologies to artisans presenting centuries-old craft traditions, IITF stood at the intersection of heritage and modernity.
Whether it was smart governance models, eco-friendly solutions, digital innovations or organic food products—the fair proved that India’s economic and creative landscape is evolving at remarkable speed.
Participants reported strong business outcomes, with many stating that IITF remains unmatched in its scale and influence.
2025: The Year Odisha Stole the Show
While the accolades were plentiful across states and sectors, the spotlight shone brightly on Odisha. Winning gold wasn’t merely an award—it was a recognition of the state’s resilience, artistry and forward-thinking governance.
Odisha’s pavilion reminded visitors of something simple yet profound:
that heritage and modernity can coexist beautifully, and that when culture becomes a storyteller, the world listens.
A Fair That Ends, A Legacy That Continues
As the curtains fell on IITF 2025, it left behind a trail of inspirations, partnerships and unforgettable experiences. For many, the fair was a window into India’s potential; for Odisha, it was a golden chapter added to its ongoing journey of growth.
Next year’s fair may bring new themes and new winners—but IITF 2025 will be remembered as the year Odisha dazzled like never before.