Why you should be at the fair or be square

It ain't just the pretty pavilions that deserve mention; the mela's about much more this time. Swati Kumari reports

It ain't just the pretty pavilions that deserve mention; the mela's about much more this time. Swati Kumari reports

Desi digs
Thankfully, you don't need to hop from one pavilion to another to sample and enjoy ethnic, authentic Indian dishes this time. Bharat Ka Khana the food court, allows you to dig into all regional cuisines on the same table. Ironically, Delhi refused to join the party, so it's been provided with a different space called Dilli Ka Khana. The capital's king!


Safe and sound
This year, you're bound to feel secure here. There are observation towers at entry points, 110 CCTVs, dog squads and enhanced fire safety measures. We even saw few commandos stationed at various points. Other than that, you'll see ambulances taking rounds of the venue, emergency arrangements well in place, and buses and ferries all about the place. Make yourself comfortable.u00a0


Khadi mere saathi
The Khadi Pavilion, which carries the theme of 'Export of Services-Healthy Growth Progress', makes for a superb step-in. Artisans and craftsmen from all over the country, right from Jammu & Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, have put up their exotic handmade creations. The range of products includes cane and bamboo from the Northeast, cotton-muslin khadi of Bengal et al, and other products like organic food, herbal beauty products, wood carvings and eco-friendly paper. An organic orgasm.
Where: Hall No 1 (Foyer)


Don't miss out on the cultural performances by traditional troupes outside state pavilions. The gypsy dances outside the Rajasthan pavilion are a must-watch.


Guinea big
Cuba, Papua New Guinea, Iraq and Nigeria are participating for the first time this year. New Guinea is offering their specialties like coffee, tea, spices and fish samples.

Spaaaah...
After you've shopped till you've dropped, pamper yourself with a relaxing back massage or rejuvenating foot therapy at the Thai massage stall. Sit back, stretch and let the blokes and beauties from Bangkok take over.
Depending on the duration 15 minutes, 30 minutes or one hour the sessions are priced between Rs 200 and Rs 600.
Where: Hall No 12

Ticket to everywhere
The first five days are totally dedicated to business visitors this time, ticket price being Rs 400. Tomorrow onwards, you can enjoy the affairu00a0@ Rs 20 on weekdays and Rs 50 on weekends. Another good news is that there are more places to buy tickets from 100 retails outlets of IOC, BP and HP as well as at Metro stations, DTC bus depots and Mother Dairy booths. Digital I-cards for exhibitors, delegates and service personnel have also been introduced this time.

Smoke-free, at least supposed to be!
The fair's a no-smoking zone, and plastic carry bags are banned, so that's good news for teetotalers and eco-friends. Of course, you see participants flouting the rules even on the fourth day, with polythene floating all over, but it's far cleaner than it's ever been.
pics/Subhash Barolia