The India International Grand Trade Fair is underway at the Central Park fairground. This is the first time the fair is being held in Salt Lake. The fair, inaugurated on March 17, will be on till March 27, from 2pm to 9pm on all days. Entry fee per person is Rs 20.
Previously, the fair used to be held at the Milan Mela Ground, opposite Science City, on the EM Bypass. “The authorities have decided to bring in all the government fairs to Salt Lake. The Milan Mela premises will mostly be used for conventions like the G20 meet. Owing to East West Metro services, Salt Lake is well-connected to all parts of the city and the suburbs. It is a more convenient venue,” an official at the trade fair office told The Telegraph Salt Lake.
The first week saw a footfall of 20,000 people. Business, however, was not hampered owing to the sudden bout of showers in the weekend. Most stall owners said even if it rained, the crowd kept moving in and out of the stalls as most of the products are displayed in long rows of water-proof tents.
(Left) One of the most interesting stalls is Dubai Attar and Perfume. Most of these organically produced perfumes have traveled all the way from Dubai and cost anything between Rs 500-Rs 5,000
(Centre) This brass craft wall hanging made in the model of a banyan tree was an eye-catcher at the fair. It is priced Rs 65,000. This specialty from Indore is available at Akshay Interiors at the furniture tent. Prices vary according to the sizes of such artefacts
(Right) Brass showpieces have been quite a hit at the fair. The pocket pinch is Rs 500 onwards
Gold-plated brass statues of all sizes, priced Rs 500 and upwards, make for worthy purchase. Most of these have been brought in from Bhopal. Some of them also have exquisite minakari work on them
A plethora of soft lights greets visitors at the stall selling lamps in different sizes and colours. Prices range from Rs 250-Rs 1200
It is heartening to see a bookstore at a trade fair. At CO Books, one can pick up any book for Rs 120. Their collection includes everything from Enid Blyton to JK Rowling to Prince Harry’s The Spare
Unlike in other fairs, where the food stalls are located out in the open, the food stalls at the trade fair are in an enclosed space. A separate, covered tent has been set aside which is being used only as a food court. One has to buy coupons in exchange of cash. These coupons can then be used at the food stalls. There are also rows of tables and chairs that have been laid out for visitors to use. One can choose from Indian and Chinese cuisines, sweets and snacks