Manipur Day was celebrated this evening at the 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025, with a vibrant cultural showcase and strong representation of the State’s handloom, handicraft, and enterprise sectors. The event, held at Amphi Theatre–1, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, drew an enthusiastic crowd of visitors, exhibitors and delegates.
The celebration was graced by Shri Anurag Bajpai, IFS, Additional Chief Secretary, Textiles, Commerce & Industry, Government of Manipur, as the Chief Guest.
Smt. Yumnam Robita, IAS, Director, Trade, Commerce & Industries, attended as President, while Major Pawan Kumar Thapliyal, Senior Head – Defence, DHL Logistics Pvt. Ltd., was present as the Guest of Honour.
Manipur’s Growing Presence in National Markets
In his address, Chief Guest Anurag Bajpai expressed delight at the impressive turnout and the lively atmosphere at the Manipur pavilion. He said the high participation of exhibitors, buyers and visitors reflects a collective commitment to expanding Manipur’s role in national and global value chains.
He noted that Manipur’s participation in this year’s IITF has drawn widespread interest, with buyers showing strong engagement in sectors such as handloom, handicraft, agro-based products, processed foods, and emerging MSMEs.
Bajpai thanked exhibitors, organisers, and the public for their support, stating:
“Your involvement has made Manipur’s presence at the fair both meaningful and memorable. It reaffirms our dedication to economic growth, investment and shared prosperity.”
He also encouraged continued collaboration among all stakeholders to strengthen the momentum created at the fair.
Celebrating Manipur’s Culture and Craftsmanship
President of the event, Smt. Yumnam Robita, thanked the audience for their enthusiastic support and appreciation of Manipur’s rich cultural heritage. She invited visitors to stay for the full lineup of programmes, highlighting the fashion show and cultural performances as the highlights of the evening.
Manipur Day featured:
Dynamic Thang-Ta performance by Laaman Thang-Ta, showcasing the State’s traditional martial art
Vibrant acts by DDMRU, Imphal, offering a window into Manipur’s diverse cultural traditions
A special fashion showcase by designer Sailex, featuring modern silhouettes crafted from Manipuri handwoven textiles
The handloom-based fashion segment drew particular attention, illustrating how traditional weaves continue to inspire contemporary design.
A Strong Showing for Manipur at IITF 2025
The State’s participation at the 44th India International Trade Fair has provided a platform for artisans, women entrepreneurs, start-ups, and MSMEs to network with national buyers and explore new market linkages.
Officials noted that IITF remains one of the most significant opportunities for States to project their economic strengths and cultural identity to domestic and international audiences.
As the evening concluded, visitors continued to explore Manipur’s stalls, interact with artisans, and engage with exhibitors — a sign of the State’s growing profile within India’s trade, cultural, and creative sectors.