Literally meaning “progress grounds”, Pragati Maidan is a venue known for its unique structure. Plethoras of national and international exhibitions in New Delhi are organized at Pragati Maidan itself. Founded on the eve of the International Trade Fair, Pragati Maidan is a huge complex of buildings with contemporary design.
Specialties of Pragati Maidan
Acres of land have been developed to give the final shape of Pragati Maidan which also houses many lush green lawns. The unique structure of Pragati Maidan houses five permanent exhibitions namely the Nehru Pavalion, Atomic Energy Pavilion, Defense Pavilion, Indira Pavilion and the Son of India Pavilion.
Besides buildings of various shapes and sizes, Pragati Maidan also has an auditorium that frequently holds rock shows and plays. Shakuntalam, a movie theatre is another big attraction of Pragati Maidan which pulls a large number of crowds, especially college kids due to its comparatively cheap tickets.
Located at gate no.4, Appu Ghar is a mini Disney land. Since it offers some of the world’s most sophisticated equipments meant for children, Appu Ghar is famous for a modern play ground for young comers.
The complex is unique as it has developed permanent buildings for pavilion of all the states of the country. So if you wish to visit India at one place then come to Pragati Maidan. Do not miss to visit Village Complex that brings out a beautiful presentation of diversified India.
Another attraction is the Crafts Museum, housed at the one end of Pragati Maidan. One of the largest handicrafts museums of India, it showcases collections of 20,000 specimens that include weaving products, metal and wooden products, earthen moulds, images and artifice.
Besides its scientifically designed exhibition hall set in a lush green setting, the complex also offers excellent infrastructure facilities like air-conditioned auditoria and conference room, a press lounge, a business information center, restaurants, banks, post offices etc. All these together make it the automatic choice of exhibition organizers from India and abroad as well.
Fairs held at Pragati Maidan
Though the venue was developed to organize the annual India International Trade Fair (IITF is held in the month of November every year), various high-quality fairs are held at Pragati Maidan throughout the year. With their varied products and merchandisers, most of the Indian states have found their permanent stalls in Pragati Maidan.
Apart from the IITF, other famous fairs held at this ground are World Book Fair, the New Delhi Auto Expo Indian engineering trade fair, plastIndia, Information Technology exhibition and IYT Asia. Since many business and industrial organizations from all over the world participate in these fairs, these events result in exchanging of industrial collaboration and joint ventures.
IITF focuses on a wide range of products that have both a domestic appeal and export connotation. Ranging from consumer goods and home appliances to garments, shoes, and children’s ware; from rural handicraft and gift items to power generation, technology and equipment related to all industries including medicals, you all get at IITF. No wonder November is the month when all roads in Delhi just lead to one place, i.e. Pragati Maidan.
Accessibility to Pragati Maidan
Since Delhi Metro has hit New Delhi’s traffic scene, it is the best mode of transport to reach Pragati Maidan. One can also reach there by using public transport like buses and privately owned vehicles. The area inside Pragati Maidan is quite large, so there is also an internal shuttle service for those who have problem in walking.
An ideal setting for holding of innumerable fairs, Pragati Maidan is visited by captains of trade and industry from different parts of India, decision makers and top government officials. Though not a historical place or monument, but Pragati Maidan still holds enough charm for people visiting New Delhi. So, include it in your list when you come to the city.