Four-day Diwali shopping fair kicks off in Sector 17

Diwali melas are packed with fun, games and food. Take a look at what your city has to offer. (Source: File Photo)

A FOUR-DAY-LONG trade fair, initiated by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), kicked off at the Parade Ground in Sector 17, here, on Friday. Chandigarh Home Secretary Anurag Agarwal and Sandeep Jain, state level coordinator of Punjab and chief general manager, Indian Oil Corporation, inaugurated the fair along with a stall of the Indian Oil and also unveiled the Tata Nexon car at the Auto Show.

“The fair has proved to be a great platform for retailers, importers, exporters, manufacturers and all small and big entrepreneurs to come under a single roof to meet, connect, network and grow their businesses,” said Agarwal while congratulating CII for organising the Diwali shopping fair. “CII’s endeavour has always been to cater to the public demands of the region. For the past 21 years, CII has been bringing the very best in consumer product. For the discerning Diwali shoppers, we have introduced attractive discounts, gifts, fun activities for children besides the London Red Bus to live up to people’s expectations,” said Man Mohan Singh Kohli, Chairman, CII Chandigarh Fair and CEO Aroma Group.

Anuradha Shukla, Consultant, CII Chandigarh, said the event was being supported by National Small Industries Corporation(NSIC), Ministry of Ayush, IOL, BSNL, ATS Group, GBP Group, SBI and Veeba and as many as 14 brands were taking part in the shop-to-win lucky draw. She added that 260 exhibitors at 14 expos were present at the fair.

“Our NGO is working for the empowerment of girls and women across Punjab and we give them free training in stitching, sewing and handicraft. We have been coming to this fair for the last four-five years. We are exhibiting Phulkaris, traditional crafts and handmade products made by women self-help groups. It is a good platform to promote our traditional art,” said Raj Rani at the Mehar Baba Charitable Trust stall.

Manu Sharma, area sales manager of McCormic & Co, says, “We are trying to get more and more shoppers by giving them attractive discounts this festive season. This is the first day, response is good, we are expecting more people to come.”

Healthspeak

The Union Ministry of Ayush is conducting free clinics for visitors at the fair. On Saturday, Dr Manju Shree, assistant director (homoeopathy), and Dr Rajiv Kapila, senior ayurvedic physician, will deliver health talks in the evening from 5 to 6. On Sunday, there will be a health talk with Dr N S Bhardwaj, deputy director, ayurveda, and Manish Arora, senior dietician at GMCH-16.