The Hindu : New Delhi News : Exhibiting mini-Rajasthan…

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Nov 17, 2007
ePaper

New Delhi

New Delhi

Exhibiting mini-Rajasthan…

Madhur Tankha

NEW DELHI: Through its wide array of handicraft items, the desert State of Rajasthan is showcasing its rich cultural heritage at the India International Trade Fair, now underway at Delhi’s Pragati Maidan.

The State’s much sought after traditional folk dancers are back this year also. With their colourful dresses and “pugari”, the dancers give visitors a feel of “mini-Rajasthan”.

According to Rajasthan pavilion director Ravi Agarwal, the State is showcasing a replica of Tonk’s “Sunahari Haveli”. The interior of the haveli is vivid and lively.

While on the right side of the pavilion there is an exhibition of spices in which Rajasthan occupies a leading position in the country, at the left there is a display of cultivation. A huge dummy of “cauliflower” surrounded by maize, tomato, aanwala and red chillies depicting the State’s progress in agriculture is eye-catching.

“Rajasthan may be a desert State but it is pioneering in the production of bajra, mustard and oilseeds. It also occupies an important position in other crops as well,” said an official.

Since one of the themes of IITF is processed food, the pavilion is also displaying a number of processed food items.

Business centre

To promote the image of the State at the international level, a business centre has been set up to answer visitors’ queries. The pavilion was inaugurated by Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation Chairman Meghraj Lohia on Wednesday.

“Every year the Rajasthan Pavilion showcases the State’s progress as well as culture under one roof. Visitors will be surprised to know how the State is producing top-quality branded processed food and dairy items,” he said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail