Panaji: November 14, 2025: The Goa Pavilion at the much-awaited 44th India International Trade Fair, an initiative of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (Government of India Enterprise), based on the theme Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, was inaugurated by Dipak Bandekar, Director of Information and Publicity, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Assistant Information Officer Shanto Naik; Information Assistant Siddhesh Samant; Investment Relations Officer, IPB, Vishant Pilarnkar; Nodal Officer, GI, Deepak Parab; and officials from other participating departments were present on the occasion.
A brochure titled Atmanirbhar Bharat Swayampurna Goa was also released at the hands of Bandekar.
IITF is the largest integrated trade fair in the country, featuring business, social, cultural and educational dimensions woven together. Visitors include exhibitors, media professionals, marketing experts, social activists, NGOs and others who use this platform to source their needs. Government departments use the event to spread awareness about their programmes and policies.
The Goa Pavilion, spread across 200 sq. m. in Hall No. 3 (New Hall) and designed in line with this year’s theme, highlights Goa’s rich cuisine, courteous hospitality and developmental achievements through audio-visuals, small hoardings and photographic displays.
A lively celebration of Goa’s cultural legacy will unfold throughout IITF 2025. The pavilion aims to offer visitors an immersive experience featuring cultural heritage and local handicrafts.
The pavilion also serves Goan cuisine, regional specialties and flavours that capture traditional Goan culinary heritage. Visitors can relish traditional sweets, including live serving of dodol and bebinca. The pavilion invites all to experience Goa’s rich and diverse heritage in a single vibrant location.
The Department of Information and Publicity, the nodal agency responsible for disseminating information on various state initiatives, is the coordinating department for Goa’s participation in this annual mega trade fair. Apart from different states and union territories, several countries have also participated, showcasing their progress and development.
The Department of Tourism, GTDC, Department of Handicrafts, Textile and Coir, Goa Investment Promotion Facilitation Board, Goa State Biodiversity Board, Goa Waste Management Corporation and Department of Science, Technology and Waste Management are participating with displays of their schemes and products.
Goan artisans associated with the Department of Handicrafts, Textile and Coir have set up their stalls at the pavilion to sell traditional Goan products. Emphasis has been placed on promoting only traditional Goan items before the conclusion of the 14-day fair on November 27, 2025. The pavilion also facilitates direct interaction between producers, buyers and consumers.
A new drink, Koku, made from kokum (garcinia indica), a refreshing beverage rooted in the Western Ghats, was launched. Known as a coolant, antioxidant and digestive aid, the drink is produced under the GoVan State Umbrella Brand of the Goa State Biodiversity Board in collaboration with Team 24.
Daily cultural performances by Goan folk artists will showcase the state’s vibrant cultural traditions. Traditional handicrafts, artefacts and GI-tagged products will also be on display. Along with highlighting Goa’s cultural heritage and hospitality, efforts will be made to promote the state as an international tourist destination and attract investments to boost industrial growth and tourism.
Siddhesh Dessai, partner of Vinayak Decorators, a reputed agency from Goa, has conceptualised, designed, erected and will manage the Goa Pavilion and its activities in line with the theme selected by ITPO.
In previous editions, the Goa Pavilion has won accolades and has been adjudged the best pavilion among smaller states.
The highlight of the pavilion this year will be daily performances by Goan artists, who will enthral visitors with their talent and music, showcasing Goa’s rich cultural traditions.
