Governor, Punjab & Administrator, UT inaugurates 27th Edition of CII Chandigarh Fair, Celebrating regional craftsmanship and sustainability

Chandigarh, October 25, 2024: The much-anticipated 27th edition of the CII Chandigarh Fair 2024, CII Northern Region’s signature shopping festival, was inaugurated today at the Parade Ground, Sector 17, Chandigarh. The Chief Guest, HE Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh, officially opened the fair, joined by esteemed dignitaries including Shri Ashwani Bhatia, Whole Time Member, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Dr Ajay Gaude, Managing Director, Goa Handicrafts Rural and Small-Scale Industries Development Corporation Ltd; Smt Nivedita Tiwary, Chief General Manager, NABARD Haryana Region; and Special Guest Shri Amit Pradhan, Regional Director (North) and Chief General Manager, SEBI.
 
Reflecting on the fair’s legacy and significance, H E Shri Gulab Chand Kataria shared, "The CII Chandigarh Fair has become a cornerstone event for Chandigarh and the region, bringing together communities, artisans, and entrepreneurs in a spirit of shared growth and cultural exchange. This fair is unique not only for the diverse array of goods and experiences it offers but also for its role in strengthening the ties between states, creating new opportunities, and fostering economic vitality. In particular, I am happy to see outstanding contributions of MSMEs and small businesses from the Chandigarh Tricity region. CII’s commitment to supporting regional craftsmanship and innovation makes this fair a standout platform that continues to enrich our collective heritage."
 
At the inaugural session and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Fair, attendees were captivated by an exhilarating Gatka performance by the National Kalgidhar Gatka Akhada from Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab. This traditional Sikh martial art display brought energy and reverence to the event, celebrating the region's cultural heritage. The ceremony commenced with a soulful rendition of the national anthem performed by students from The Institute for the Blind in Sector 26, Chandigarh, adding a moving and patriotic note to the occasion. The inaugural celebration set an inspiring tone for the fair’s four-day run, promising a memorable experience for all.
 
This year’s edition emphasizes “Plastic-Free City” and “Make Chandigarh Honk-Free” as part of its focus on sustainable and community-friendly initiatives. Additionally, the fair features eight concurrent expos this year—Decor, Fruits & Food Show, Haute Couture, North India Auto Show, Persona, Realcon, States of India, and Home Appliances—providing a comprehensive array of options for shoppers and enthusiasts alike. Adding further vibrancy to this year’s edition are state pavilions from Goa, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, showcasing a variety of crafts and cultural highlights unique to each region.
 
Drawing significant crowds on the opening day, the CII Chandigarh Fair 2024 reaffirmed its status as a cherished destination for quality shopping, cultural immersion, and community engagement. Visitors are invited to experience this unique convergence of commerce, culture, and sustainable initiatives until Monday, 28 October from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.