On Wednesday, 15th October, 2008, I took out some time to visit the 'Indian Houseware & Gift Fair Autumn 08' at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. It is a three day affair from 15th Oct to 18th Oct and is being organized for the second time by the Society for Small and Medium Exporters. In a short time span of just two years, the fair has established itself as Asia's largest exposition of housewares and gift items. It provides a great platform to Indian exporters to showcase their products to the foreign buyers.



As I visited this fair for the first time, I did not expect this to be such a huge affair. It was surprising to see foreign buyers from every corner of the world like Canada, the U.K, Japan, Brazil, Spain, France, Germany, Netherlands, USA, Hong Kong, Australia, Brazil, Italy, Singapore and many other countries. It was also amazing to find the whole range of housewares which were displayed section wise such as houseware, decoratives, gift items, enamel ware frames, furniture, eco-friendly items, fashion jewelry, accessories and bags and many more. Although, the fair is organized with the prime objective of building profitable liaisons between Indian exporters and foreign buyers, it is also useful for people like me who are always eager to know more about different traditional as well as innovative housewares and decorative items. For instance, I was attracted to a number of products exhibited in the fair such as antique reproduction collectibles, jewel boxes engraved with exquisite designs, pashmina shawls and stoles, candle holders, cane and bamboo furniture, umbrella stands and many more.



Once you visit the fair, you can see how right the organizers are in claiming that the fair has shown a remarkable growth in terms of both its scale and participation. This year, there were more than 500 leading manufacturers and exporters who have participated in the fair and approx. 4000 visitors present in this fair. The fair has emerged as one of the most attractive and largest sourcing destinations in Asia. It is due to the fact that were many facilities in the fair including a restaurant, business center, buyers' lounge, Internet Cafe, an exchange counter and also medical aids. I simply loved the fair and will pay my visit in coming years as well.