Goa IITF pavilion receives Special Appreciation Award

The Goa Pavilion at the 44th India International Trade Fair 2025 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, has received the Special Appreciation Award for excellence in display under the States and Union Territories Pavilion category on 27th November 2025. The award was presented by Dr Neeraj Kharwal, IAS, Managing Director of India Trade Promotion Organisation.

Information Officer DIP Kiran Munankar and Photographer DIP Chandu Korgaonkar accepted the award. They were joined by Sadashiv Narayan Pandit, Administration Officer, Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board, Shri Saiel Kamat, Assistant Manager, Goa Waste Management and Vighnesh Prabhu GSINC.

The pavilion was inaugurated by Dipak Bandekar, Director of Information and Publicity and stood out for its creative design, cultural richness and the way it portrayed Goa’s heritage. Set up on a 200 sq m space in Hall 3 it highlighted Goan cuisine, courteous hospitality and developmental achievements through audiovisual displays and hoardings. Vinayak Decorators, a Goa-based agency, conceptualised, designed and managed the pavilion. This year’s IITF themed Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat saw participation from various states, union territories and countries.

Goa used the platform to spread awareness about Government programmes and policies. The Department of Information and Publicity acted as the nodal agency.

The visitors experienced the essence of Goa through cultural exhibits, handicrafts with a rustic-themed display wall and traditional Goan interiors. The pavilion offered local flavours and showcased the State’s culinary heritage. Departments including Tourism, GTDC Handicrafts, Textile and Coir, Goa Investment Promotion Facilitation Board, Goa State Biodiversity Board and Goa Waste Management Corporation contributed with displays of schemes and products.

Goan artisans supported by the Department of Handicrafts, Textiles and Coir sold traditional and GI tagged products and interacted directly with buyers. The daily folk performances by Goan artists added vibrancy to the pavilion making it a key attraction at IITF 2025.