Shoppers throng mega trade fair on weekend

Ranchi: The 17th India International Mega Trade Fair at Morhabadi Ground saw a massive turnout as it approached closing on Monday. Visitors, taking advantage of Sunday’s holiday, flocked from afternoon onwards, filling stalls across the venue and shopping till late night. Discounts and special offers across handicrafts, wooden furniture, handlooms, electronics, kitchenware, khadi clothing, and gift items drew enthusiastic buyers, while food stalls added to the festive atmosphere.

On the fair’s penultimate day, Chief Guest and Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth praised the event for boosting the local economy and supporting rural artisans. Seth announced that Ranchi would soon host a dedicated Swadeshi Mela to promote village-made products and highlighted collaboration with Jharkhand Chamber for the “Clean Ranchi, Green Ranchi” initiative. He also cited record GST collections of Rs 2 lakh crore and defense exports exceeding Rs 38,000 crore.

Jharkhand Chamber president Aditya Malhotra said the trade fair gave Ranchi a unique identity, allowing residents to explore products from 12 countries and 15 states while helping stall owners understand customer preferences. The event included a “Mom and Kids Fashion Show,” where mothers and children showcased traditional attire, celebrating Indian culture and family values.

Organizers, including ISBA Director Sangeeta Sinha and Sumitra ‘Glam’ founder Achla Chauhan, ensured smooth execution. BJP Ranchi city president Varun Sahu and Congress city president Kumar Raja also attended the fair.