Navigating the IHGF Delhi Fair at India Expo Center & Mart

IHGF Oct 2023 entrance picture

Visiting the prestigious IHGF Delhi Fair at India Expo Center & Mart, Noida can be a sensory overload with its expansive showcase of furniture, handicrafts, and an array of food choices. If you’re planning to attend the 57th edition this year, this guide will ensure you make the most of your visit.

 

1. Location and Accessibility:

The IHGF Delhi Fair is strategically located at the India Expo Center & Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi-NCR. If you’re traveling by metro, the nearest station is Knowledge Park II (download Delhi Metro App). For international visitors landing at the New Delhi Airport, the venue is approximately 56 kms or 34.7 miles away, making it a comfortable drive. Daily commuters can also take advantage of the free shuttle services provided by the fair committee.

 

The fair takes place twice a year, during the Spring and Autumn. There are numerous hotels and hostels available near the fair venue. For detailed information on the fair, schedules, and bookings, visit the official IHGF Delhi Fair website.

 

2. The Layout – Knowing Your Halls:

The expansive India Expo Center is divided into various halls, each dedicated to a specific category. Make sure you get a map at the entrance or read our guide below where we tried to cover as much as we can. This will ensure you don’t miss out on any of the exhibits you’re particularly interested in. The IHGF fair mobile app could also be handy here.

 

Main Entrance & Its Facilities

As you step into the fair, the main entrance greets you with three gates:

    • Gate 1 & 2: These lead to the Mart shops.

    • Gate 3: Takes you to the hall area and a grand reception where you can register and get your badges.

Expo mart main building picture

The Mart: Permanent Shops

    • Ground floor, left side: Mart A

    • 1st Floor: Mart B

    • 2nd Floor, left side: Mart C

    • 3rd Floor: Mart D

Navigating each mart is made easy with numbered aisles, starting from Aisle 01 at the entrance. Here’s a helpful hint: if the aisle numbers are decreasing, you’re heading toward the main entrance 🙂. The left side of the aisle hosts shops with odd numbers, while the right side features even-numbered shops. For instance, if a vendor named ABC owns three consecutive shops, the listing could be ABC: 01-05 or ABC: 02-06.

 

Aisle board example at expo mart

 

Aisle board for right-side shops

While we’ll provide detailed information about the mart’s offerings in another article, it’s worth noting that you can find almost all the items in the mart that you would find in the Hall area. The mart area is managed by more established vendors, and some vendors operate in both the mart and hall areas.

 

Halls and Their Offerings

Hall layout at Oct 2023 IHGF fair

 

The halls, packed with a plethora of items, are spread across two floors in the main building:

 

Hall directions for Oct 2023 IHGF fair

Ground Floor Halls (right side in the Main building):

Hall 1: Jewellery, bags, scarves, women’s apparel, and Christmas decor.

 

Hall 3: Features an eclectic mix of cloth bags, jute products, jewelry, belts, scarves, leather-bound diaries, lamps, and Christmas decor.

 

Hall 5: Dominated by lamps, glass items, seaside wood decor, and unique shops like a Rajasthani hanging decor store.

 

Hall 7: A medley of lamps, ironworks, chandeliers, and shops specializing in brass and copper items.

 
2nd Floor Halls (right side in the Main building):

Home textile halls guide at IHFG oct delhi fair

 

Hall 2: Home to an array of pillowcases, rugs, throws, bedsheets, and other home furnishings.

 

Hall 4: Primarily showcases pillows, throws, and textile wall decor designs.

 

Hall 6: A haven for baby products, rugs, cloth bags, and more.

 

Hall 8: Renowned for incense sticks, wooden toys, bags, and Christmas decor.

 

Please note that Christmas items are usually available at the Autumn fair.

 

Separate Halls:

Hall numbers 9, 9A, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 15A, and 16 are not part of the main building. To reach these halls, you can either exit the main building at the ground floor or at the upper floors there is a connecting bridge. Alternatively, if you directly want to go to hall no 9-15, you can ask the cab/auto person to drop you at Gate No. 5 of the expo mart (but in this case, you must have your badge already printed). 

 

Hall 9,9A: Offers a mix of steel and copper utensils, wooden items, marble products, and baskets.

 

Hall 12: This hall is a paradise for furniture enthusiasts, showcasing pieces made from glass, marble, iron, and brass.

 

Hall 14, 15: Heaven for solid wood furniture lovers. 

 

Remember, the listed items are just a glimpse of what’s in store. Explore each hall, and you’ll discover a world of Indian handicrafts waiting to mesmerize you. 

 

Tired of walking? If you need a break, consider heading to a nearby cafe for a snack or finding a comfortable spot to sit. During our initial visit, we faced challenges in finding a place to sit until we discovered a solution. The registration area has an escalator leading to the first floor, where you’ll find some chairs. Alternatively, check out the mart areas on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors. In the middle of the corridors, you’ll spot some benches for a well-deserved rest. In the hall area, generally, we don’t find spare chairs. 

 

3. A Gastronomic Delight:

Apart from the craftsmanship on display, the fair also offers a delightful culinary experience. Whether you’re craving North Indian parathas, Chinese delicacies, or a simple burger, there’s a stall waiting for you. 

 

Some guests may be eligible for complimentary food coupons. It is advisable to inquire about the availability of these coupons at the registration counter.

 

Here’s a quick sneak peek:

Cafe guide at Oct IHGF delhi fair

Food menu at IHGF Oct 2023 fair

 

 Note: These prices and menus may get updated

4. Engage & Network:

Apart from exploring the exhibits, the fair is a great place to network with industry professionals. Bring along your business cards and be ready to engage in fruitful discussions. Workshops, panel discussions, and other events can also be part of the fair’s itinerary.

 

Bonus tip: Complimentary meeting rooms with beverages are available on the 3rd floor, 10th aisle for overseas buyers, but advance booking is required.  

 

5. Tips for a Hassle-free Experience:

    • Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a lot.

    • Stay hydrated – water dispensers are conveniently located at every other stop

    • Plan your visit. With so much to see, having a plan will ensure you cover everything.  

    • Lastly, don’t forget to have fun!

In Conclusion:

The IHGF Delhi Fair at India Expo Center & Mart is more than just a trade fair. It’s an experience that offers a blend of business and incredible culture. With this guide in hand, you’re all set to make the most of your visit. If you’ve found this information helpful and wish to delve deeper into the world of handicraft fair experiences, explore more in our related article here. Safe travels!