BNCCI-led fair celebrates indigenous industries, MSMEs and Murshidabad’s artisanal excellence
Kolkata, December 19, 2025: The Bengal National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BNCCI) successfully inaugurated the 37th Industrial India Trade Fair (IITF) at the historic Bagbazar Sarbojanin Durga Puja Ground, Kolkata. The fair, commencing today and continuing till January 1, reaffirms BNCCI’s commitment to strengthening MSMEs, promoting indigenous industries and celebrating India’s rich legacy of trade and craftsmanship.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr. Sashi Panja, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Department of Industry, Commerce & Enterprises and Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal, along with Shyamal Kumar Sen, Hon’ble Justice (Retd.) & Former Governor of West Bengal. Other distinguished dignitaries present included Bapi Ghosh, Councillor, Ward No. 7; Puja Panja, Councillor, Ward No. 8; Shri Priyal Chowdhury, social worker, Shri Subrata Banerjee, Councillor, Ward No. 10, KMC, Smt Mitali Saha Councillor, Ward No. 9, Shri Samir Kumar Ghosh, Past President BNCCI, Shri Mohon Kumar Gupta, councillor, Mohana Das, T S – Zonal Head of Kolkata Zone, The Federal Bank Ltd, Manoj Kumar Mahapatra, Zonal Sales Head of Kolkata Zone, The Federal Bank Ltd, Arunabha Banerjee, Director, Alliance Broadband.
In her address, Dr. Sashi Panja praised BNCCI for its 138-year legacy and its self-reliant approach to organising the Trade Fair without external agencies. Highlighting the Chamber’s strong Swadeshi ethos, she underlined its consistent focus on MSMEs, artisans and local entrepreneurs by providing them with access to markets, training and growth opportunities. She also acknowledged the collaborative efforts between BNCCI and the State Government in advancing industrial policies and digital initiatives, and encouraged the public to support the diverse range of stalls during the 14-day event.
Held in Bagbazar, one of Kolkata’s oldest neighbourhoods known for its historic trading hubs, riverine commerce and cultural exchange, the fair paid tribute to the area’s long-standing association with commerce and community-driven enterprise. The venue’s heritage makes it a fitting backdrop for a fair dedicated to industry, entrepreneurship and tradition.
The 37th IITF brought together a diverse mix of participants across food products, textiles, handicrafts, garments, lifestyle products, MSMEs, khadi and handloom producers, artisans, innovators and start-ups, creating a vibrant marketplace blending commerce and culture. Prominent brands and institutions such as K.C. Das, Karim’s, Banglar Doi, Haringhata, Aajkal, Sister Nivedita University (SNU), Techno Group of Institutions, Deep Prakasani, Parul Prakasani, Allen, Khadim’s, Alliance Broadband and Tantuja featured alongside stalls offering jewellery, sarees, handlooms and other indigenous products.
A key highlight of this edition was its special focus on Murshidabad district, a historic centre of Bengal’s artisanal excellence. The fair showcased Murshidabad’s renowned handloom and handicraft traditions while also reflecting BNCCI’s consistent efforts to uplift district-based artisans and enterprises from Birbhum, Paschim Medinipur, the 24 Parganas and other regions across West Bengal. Rooted in a grassroots approach, BNCCI consciously creates platforms for artisans, rural industries and traditional enterprises—rather than relying on externally managed fairs dominated by large brands—thereby enabling direct market linkages and greater visibility for heritage skills. By highlighting the work of the West Bengal Khadi & Village Industries Board, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, and a wide spectrum of village-based industries, the Chamber reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to inclusive industrial development anchored in Bengal’s districts, traditions and people.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Kumar Banik, President, Bengal National Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said, “Completing 138 years of its journey, BNCCI continues to organise the Industrial India Trade Fair independently, reaffirming its commitment to grassroots industrial growth. Through platforms like the IITF, we focus on empowering MSMEs, artisans and district-based enterprises from across West Bengal, ensuring that the state’s industrial progress remains firmly rooted in its people, traditions and districts.”
The fair witnessed enthusiastic participation from industry stakeholders, artisans and visitors, reinforcing BNCCI’s vision of inclusive industrial development and regional empowerment.
