Berhampur: The third International Trade Fair at the Engineering School Ground in Berhampur has emerged as one of the biggest commercial and cultural attractions in South Odisha, witnessing an unprecedented turnout of visitors since its inauguration. With shoppers pouring in from Berhampur city as well as neighbouring districts, the event has transformed the Silk City into a vibrant hub of international trade and cultural exchange.
Following the resounding success of its earlier editions, the organizer’s have expanded the scale of this year’s fair significantly. After being hosted in major cities such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Rourkela, the fair’s growing popularity has firmly positioned Berhampur as an important destination on Odisha’s international exhibition circuit.
International Marketplace with Products from Across the Globe
The fair offers an extensive range of products sourced from various Indian states and multiple foreign countries, creating a truly global shopping experience for visitors. Businesspersons and artisans have set up hundreds of stalls displaying premium-quality goods, including Rajasthani marble handicrafts, Persian and Iranian carpets, Turkish confectioneries, Kashmiri wooden furniture, Afghan dry fruits, Iranian dates, and Dubai fashion garments.
Shoppers are also showing keen interest in Thai jewellery and footwear, Korean beauty and lifestyle products, antique metal artefacts, semi-precious stone ornaments, and leather goods from Uttar Pradesh. Traditional Indian handloom sarees, tribal handicrafts, and decorative home décor items are among the most visited stalls, reflecting strong demand for heritage and handmade products.
Organisers estimate that over one lakh varieties of items are available at the fair, offering something for every age group and budget category.
Business Thrives as Footfall Remains High
Trade activity remains brisk throughout the day, with many stalls reporting strong sales since the opening day. The fair has not only boosted retail business but also provided a valuable platform for small traders, artisans, and international merchants to directly connect with customers.
Stalls selling royal-style furniture, Kashmiri swings and dining sets, stylish home décor, dry food items, tribal oils, and wellness products are witnessing particularly heavy footfall. The visually rich displays and premium craftsmanship have made these sections a major attraction among visitors.
Water-Themed Show Adds New Dimension
One of the key highlights of this year’s edition is the introduction of a water-themed show, which has been organised for the first time at the Berhampur trade fair. The unique attraction has quickly become a crowd favourite, especially during evening hours, drawing families and young visitors in large numbers and adding an element of entertainment alongside shopping.
Cultural Programs Enhance Visitor Experience
To further enhance the festive atmosphere, daily cultural programs featuring music, dance, and regional performances are being organised at the venue. Every evening, thousands of visitors gather to enjoy these performances, which have become a major draw and added to the fair’s lively ambiance.
The participation of traders from across India and abroad, combined with cultural events and entertainment activities, has created a cosmopolitan atmosphere, offering visitors a memorable experience beyond shopping alone.
Major Boost to Berhampur’s Commercial Identity
With its blend of global trade, cultural exchange, entertainment, and local economic stimulation, the International Trade Fair has significantly boosted Berhampur’s image as a growing commercial and cultural centre in South Odisha. The event has attracted visitors not only from Odisha but also from neighbouring states, strengthening regional tourism and trade engagement.
The ongoing fair continues to draw enthusiastic crowds each day, reaffirming its status as one of the most awaited annual events in the region.
