Experience lights and batteries that can be charged with water, indulge in Japanese tea and sushi and shop for South African dolls at the ongoing India International Trade Fair. Divya Kaushik lists her favourites
Eat like Japanese, shop South African and socialise at the traditional tea ceremony or calligraphy workshop. When at trade fair indulge at the international pavilions. Thirty-third edition of the India International Trade Fair (IITF) features 250 exhibitors from foreign countries who are drawing crowds, leaving the state pavilions almost vacant and exhibitors cribbing. The international pavilion, like last year, is already in news for its different display and concept-based home décor products. Japan, which is also the partner country at the fair this time, is gaining attention for the display of unique technology and interesting workshops, like calligraphy and kimono draping. We checked out the most crowded stalls at the trade fair over the weekend and found out what’s hit at the venue.
The best from Nippon
Visitors to the ‘Japan Wave Pavilion’ can sample authentic Japanese tea. Try Ocha, the nation’s famous green tea. It is being served in a Japanese Tatami house (tearoom). The Japanese Tatami House is probably the most intensely distilled essence of the nation’s cultural heritage: a tiny space just large enough for four people. Workshops to promote Japanese culture include a chance to learn the traditional Japanese calligraphy art. The pavilion also projects art, design and fashion from the country. At the Anime Cultural zone one can meet and greet with Shin-chan, Doraemon, Ninja Hattori and many more. If you are interested in technology there is a lot for you. “We have on display magnesium lights that can be charged with water. You need to dip them in water and once charged the battery would last for five days. We also have decorative lights and mobile batteries that can be charged with water. There are home appliances complete with Japan’s latest technology. Apart from that there are musical instruments like guitar, keyboard and drums from Yamaha that are being loved by the visitors so far. Each musical instrument is a piece of an art,” informed Prashant Godghote, secretary general, Japan India Industry Promotion Association.
Over time, Japanese food has become a favourite with Delhiites and the love for traditional Japanese food was reflected in the way the visitors thronged the small open area serving the sushis and sashimis. Hikari Miso Company Pvt ltd also displayed their red miso and white miso powder, which can be of interest to the foodies at the pavilion. “Miso is an authentic Japanese fermented soybean food and also a seasoning. It comes with many health benefits too. like it is used to prevent senility and it improves memory. It eases stress and strengthens immune system. like garam masala is added to Indian curries to enhance taste, miso powder can be used to the curries to add a distinct taste,” said the spokesperson at the stall and sounded happy with the response that he has been getting here. The tea, calligraphy and kimono draping workshops are still catching up with the visitors.
Bead and bright
Monkeys, rhinos and apes occupy almost each stall at the South African space in international pavilion. Bright colours like red, pink and green are spread around. In short, it has everything to make you feel bright and happy. And if you are a woman you are definitely going to love the space for its jewellery, home décor items and dolls that represent real woman. They come with steel legs and broad frame. “South African women are known for their strength and courage, so these dolls are not those delicate ones,” said Moipone Ntseke, who has come to India for the first time to sell her dolls, jewellery and bags and test Indian market for her products. “The jewellery that we make is from the seeds commonly found in South Africa,” she informed. Dolls that come adorned with colourful beads are available in different sized. The smaller ones can cost you Rs 150 and the price for the bigger ones can go as high as Rs 6,000. But the jewellery that is selling like hot cakes can dig a deep hole in your pockets. There is no scope of bargaining when it comes to loops, necklaces, armlets and bracelets but we suggest you check out different stalls and then decide and we found the prices different. Mmakatleko Makoena brought her wooden monkeys and ostrich eggs for selling in India. “last year we got a huge response and we are hoping the same this time,” she said.
Wedding weaves
Pakistani stall is the mecca for women who either are getting married in the upcoming season or run their boutiques in the city. We spotted Tanya picking up her wedding wardrobe at the Pakistani stalls. “They have very good fabrics, like chiffon, the quality we do not find easily in Delhi. I am picking up the fabrics which I can take to my designer to create something different,” she said. Zaid, who has been coming from lahore since two years, shared that Pakistani embroidery and fabrics have been in demand since last year. “Many Pakistani designers also came and showcased their works in India. There is more exchange between two countries now when it comes to fashion. Our thread embroidery, gota work is loved here and people come and buy in bulk,” he said. The price depends on how heavy the embroidery is and the fabric. “You can find material ranging from Rs 1,000 to 20,000. There are wholesalers from Pakistan as well as boutique houses who have brought in variety here,” added Zaid.
photos Pankaj Kumar