Trade
and Handicraft fairs are a common phenomenon in Delhi. Some of the major
events held here include the annual 13-day long International Trade Fair
that begins on 14th November. Held at Pragati Maidan, this fair is a
very popular one and major corporate houses from all over the world
participate in this event. Besides promoting trade, it also serves as
the launching pad for the latest products and services in the market. It
is also a major tourist attraction and a number of visitors go, if just
to see and compare the product quality and rates offered by different
companies. Besides this fair, Pragati Maidan is also the preferred venue
for several other fairs and expositions held throughout the year such as
the Book Fair, Auto Expo and the Leather Fair. Most of the fairs are organized in the pleasant weather conditions in September, October and November. There is the Handicrafts Fair at Delhi Haat, which is a continuous affair and attracts many tourists. Some of the fairs are organized at special festivals such as Diwali fairs. The Surajkund Handicraft Mela held in Haryana, on the outskirts of Delhi, is also a favorite hotspot. This annual Handicrafts fair is a good place to see skilled artisans at work. Generally, it is organized on a particular state theme and one can see the blend of traditional arts and crafts and the modern trends here. It also offers fashion shows and puppet shows as its highlight. One can listen to Indian classical music and watch the performances by the masters of Southern Carnatic and the Northern music at Phholwalon-ki-Sair, the pride of Indian classical singers.
