IITF 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, runs 13–27 November under the theme Vikas aur Virasat (Development & Heritage). The event blends state day celebrations and cultural performances with international exhibitors, startups, and tech showcases across 17 halls, offering a diverse mix of culture, commerce and innovation.
India
-Oneindia Staff
Every day at IITF 2026 is expected to bring a different cultural experience, with states and Union Territories getting an opportunity to showcase their art, music, dance, traditions and heritage through dedicated State Day celebrations and live performances. While business, trade and product exhibitions remain at the heart of the event, the cultural programmes have been an integral part of IITF for years, giving visitors another reason to explore the fair beyond its exhibition halls.
The 45th India International Trade Fair (IITF 2026), organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from November 13 to 27, 2026, under the theme “Vikas aur Virasat” (Development & Heritage). The fair will be inaugurated on November 13 by Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, followed by a special Odissi performance by Padma Shri Guru Madhavi Mudgal and Group. With participation from 32 states and Union Territories, the fair will offer a platform to present India’s cultural diversity alongside its economic and industrial strengths.
IITF 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, runs 13–27 November under the theme Vikas aur Virasat (Development & Heritage). The event blends state day celebrations and cultural performances with international exhibitors, startups, and tech showcases across 17 halls, offering a diverse mix of culture, commerce and innovation.
One of the key attractions of IITF 2026 will be two open-air amphitheatres located outside Halls 1, 2 and 5. These venues will host State Day celebrations and cultural programmes organised by participating states and Union Territories. The State Day celebrations provide an opportunity for individual states to take center stage and introduce visitors to their regional identities through folk dances, classical performances, traditional music and other performing arts.
A visitor may encounter the folk traditions of one state on a particular day and experience the classical dance or music of another region during a subsequent visit. For participating states, these celebrations offer a platform to promote their cultural heritage, tourism potential and traditional art forms before a diverse national and international audience.
The performances also provide visibility to artists and cultural groups, helping introduce regional traditions to audiences who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience them. The idea is to make every visit different, with each State Day offering another cultural experience and another story from India’s diverse regions.
32 States And Union Territories To Showcase Their Strengths
The participation of 32 states and Union Territories will be another major feature of IITF 2026. Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have been identified as the Partner States, while Assam, Delhi, Jharkhand and West Bengal will participate as Focus States.
The state pavilions will provide visitors with an opportunity to explore regional products, handicrafts, handlooms, textiles, food items, traditional products and other offerings. The cultural programmes will complement these exhibitions by bringing the traditions and artistic expressions of the participating regions to life.
Together, the pavilions and amphitheatres will provide visitors with an opportunity to explore different aspects of India’s regional identities at a single venue.
International Participation And Government Showcases
IITF 2026 will also have an international dimension, bringing together 3,500+ exhibitors across 17 exhibition halls, including participation from 11 countries. International participants will join exhibitors from India in showcasing products, enterprises and opportunities for trade. The latest IITF 2026 print announcement lists 11 participating countries but does not name them individually.
The event will also bring together 51 Central ministries, public sector undertakings and related government organisations to showcase flagship programmes, policy initiatives and developments across various sectors. MSMEs, artisans, weavers and entrepreneurs will also be part of the exhibition, providing visitors with access to products and innovations from different parts of the country. The international showcases will create opportunities for cross-border business networking and new commercial connections.
Hall Of Inspiration, Startups And New Technologies
Beyond the cultural showcases and traditional products, IITF 2026 will introduce visitors to emerging technologies and new ideas through its Hall of Inspiration, where 600+ startups will showcase ideas and innovations.
The Hall of Inspiration will be a dedicated platform for startups to present ideas, innovations, emerging technologies, products and solutions. It will give emerging enterprises visibility and offer visitors an opportunity to discover technology-led concepts.
The fair will also feature Playverse@Mandapam, an immersive digital experience zone for entertainment and learning. The One District One Product (ODOP) Pavilion will showcase unique products and crafts from 20+ states and Union Territories, highlighting district-level enterprises, traditional skills and regional identities.
Together, the Hall of Inspiration and ODOP Pavilion will connect visitors with emerging innovation as well as India’s established craft and enterprise traditions. These initiatives will bring entrepreneurs, innovators, craftspeople and emerging businesses into the wider exhibition experience.
Playverse@Mandapam, Food And Entertainment For Visitors
IITF 2026 will also have attractions for visitors looking to combine trade and shopping with technology-led experiences, food and entertainment. Playverse@Mandapam will add an interactive dimension to the fair, offering immersive digital experiences for entertainment and learning.
The fair will feature 80+ cultural performances celebrating India’s art and culture. Programmes will include classical dance and other live performances, with tickets for ticketed cultural shows available on BookMyShow.
More than 90 food outlets will serve regional and international cuisines, giving visitors a range of dining choices during their visit. Together, these experiences are intended to make the fair appealing to visitors with varied interests, beyond the exhibition halls.
More Convenient Facilities For Visitors
Alongside new attractions, ITPO’s brief outlines several measures aimed at improving convenience, accessibility and visitor comfort. Shuttle services and golf carts will facilitate movement within the exhibition complex. Porter and concierge services will provide assistance to visitors, including those carrying luggage, while cloakroom facilities will allow them to store their belongings.
Dedicated assistance for persons with disabilities and green mobility facilities are also among the planned provisions. Security arrangements will include 24-hour surveillance. Multiple lost-and-found counters will be available within the complex, while medical emergency facilities and ambulance assistance will cater to visitors requiring medical attention.
Designated pickup and drop-off points for app-based cab services and convenient parking facilities are also planned to support visitor movement. Digital displays and LED masts will be used for exhibition publicity and product promotion.
IITF 2026 App And Ticketing
Digital services will form another important part of the visitor experience. Available on Google Play and the App Store, the IITF 2026 app helps visitors with ticket booking, navigation, venue maps and programme information.
Entry tickets are available through the DMRC Momentum 2.0 (Saarthi) App and at 55 designated Delhi Metro stations. Tickets for ticketed cultural programmes are available on BookMyShow.
The app’s venue maps, navigation and programme information can help visitors plan their itinerary and move around the fair. For official updates, visit itpo.gov.in/iitf.
What Visitors Can Expect Across The Exhibition Halls
Across 17 exhibition halls, visitors will find a wide range of products and exhibits. The hall-wise product allocation outlined in the original ITPO brief covers several categories.
Hall 1 on the ground floor is earmarked for foreign country pavilions and new initiatives. The first floor will accommodate international participation, including embassies and high commissions, State Government displays and new initiatives.
Halls 2, 3, 4 and 5 on the ground floor will feature Partner and Focus States, Central Government ministries and departments, commodity boards, PSUs and public sector banks. Their first floors will accommodate State and Union Territory pavilions, Government ministries and departments, commodity boards, PSUs and PSBs. Hall 6 will showcase Central Government ministries and departments, commodity boards and PSUs.
Visitors interested in consumer products can explore Halls 8 to 11, which will feature electronics, electrical goods, consumer durables, footwear, textiles, kitchen equipment, watches and related products.
Halls 12 and 12A will feature processed food and beverages, spices, agricultural produce, handicrafts, home furniture and multi-product displays. Hall 14’s ground floor will have beauty and cosmetic products, jewellery and multi-product displays. Its first floor will include new initiatives and an experiential zone.
Visitors are advised to consult ITPO’s latest announcements for any changes to exhibition arrangements.
IITF 26: Dates, Timings And Entry Information
IITF 26 will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from November 13 to 27, 2026. The exhibition will follow a combination of business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) formats.
November 14 to 18 are Business Days, reserved for business visitors, including trade representatives and industry participants. General Public Days run from November 19 to 27.
The fair timings will be 10 am to 7:30 pm from November 14 to 27. Exhibitors will be allowed entry from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, while general visitors can enter between 10 am and 5:30 pm.
General visitors can use Gates 3 and 4 on Bhairon Road and Gates 6 and 10 on Mathura Road. Protocol entry is listed through Gates 1, 5A, 7 and 10, while cargo entry is listed through Gates 1, 3 and 5B. These arrangements may be revised in view of security and traffic requirements, and visitors should follow the latest ITPO and traffic advisories.
One Fair, Many Experiences
With cultural celebrations, state pavilions, international participation, emerging technologies, shopping, food and entertainment, IITF 26 is designed to offer more than a conventional trade exhibition.
The ‘Vikas Aur Virasat’ theme brings together India’s economic progress and cultural heritage, while the State Day celebrations provide an opportunity to experience the country’s regional identities through live performances.
For visitors, the attraction lies in the variety of experiences available across the 15-day event. One visit could introduce them to traditional crafts and regional products, while another could offer a new cultural performance, a technology showcase or an interactive entertainment experience.
Every day brings an opportunity to discover something new. Every state has a story to tell, and IITF 26 offers visitors a chance to experience those stories under one roof.
