Local artistry at heart of Noida int’l trade fair

The third edition of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) opened on Thursday at the India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida, with the One-District-One-Product (ODOP) Pavilion at its heart, highlighting the culture of Uttar Pradesh’s 75 districts across 343 stalls.

- Maria Khan

The event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the morning. The five-day event, under the theme “Ultimate Sourcing Begins Here”, aims to showcase the state's industrial, cultural and agricultural strengths—from Bhadohi carpets and Firozabad glasswork, to Moradabad's lesser-known pinewood artefacts and Pratapgarh’s gooseberry-based snacks.

According to the organisers, UPITS 2025 features over 2,500 exhibitors and 550 buyers from 80 countries. Spread over five days, it is expected to draw more than 125,000 business visitors and over 450,000 consumers. Also, 150 stalls have been set up under the CM Yuva initiative, and 25 under the “Swad Uttar Pradesh” theme.

First-time participant Vandana, 35, who came from Gorakhpur, said, “We make eco-friendly bangles and necklaces from cotton thread. They're lightweight, starting from just ₹100, and the most-detailed necklaces at ₹2,000. Around 20 women work with me.”

Nearby, Renu Marwah, 41, was showcased handmade home decor, toys, and blankets Ghazi-pur. “A blanket takes 10-13 days to weave, while smaller items like diyas or key rings are made in a few hours. Prices start at ₹80 and go up to ₹3,000, while bags are priced from ₹1,500. We're a team of 10-15 artisans keeping this craft alive.”