CM Hemant Soren inaugurates Jharkhand Pavilion and Palash Mart at IITF 2026, highlighting herbal products, tribal crafts and rural women entrepreneurs
New Delhi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren inaugurated the state’s pavilion and Palash Mart at the 45th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam on November 14. The pavilion highlights Jharkhand’s folk art, traditional handicrafts, natural products and the business achievements of rural women.
After the inauguration, Soren visited several stalls and interacted with women entrepreneurs and artisans. He learned about their products and the work they are doing to develop their businesses.
Industry Minister Sanjay Prasad Yadav, Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Rural Development Department Secretary Manoj Kumar and Industry Department Secretary Arva Rajkamal also attended the event.
The Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS), working under the state’s Rural Development Department, has established Palash Mart to promote products made by self-help groups, rural women and local entrepreneurs.
Palash Mart Showcases Herbal and Handmade Products
The pavilion follows the central theme of IITF 2026, ‘Vikas & Virasat’, by bringing together traditional craftsmanship and modern rural businesses.
Visitors can explore natural and herbal products, organic goods, handmade items, traditional handloom products and tribal jewellery. Natural oils, herbal soaps, beauty products and metal ornaments inspired by tribal designs are among the featured products.
Meenu Rakshit Presents 20 Varieties of Handmade Soaps
Meenu Rakshit, an entrepreneur from Turkepur, Bishimpur, Jamshedpur, is displaying her herbal product collection at the fair.
Her stall features around 20 varieties of handmade soaps prepared using coconut and mawa oils. According to Meenu, the products do not use chemicals and rely on flowers and leaves for natural fragrances.
Her collection also includes body oils, pain-relief oils and creams made with turmeric, aloe vera and kumkum. She uses natural ingredients such as neem and tulsi in several products.
A lip balm prepared with honeycomb and beetroot powder is another distinctive offering at her stall.
Meenu has participated in previous editions of IITF and says some returning customers have visited her stall again after purchasing her products last year.
JSLPS Helps Rural Women Reach National Markets
Through Palash Mart, JSLPS aims to strengthen the economic independence of rural women and local producers.
The organisation supports self-help groups and entrepreneurs in developing products, building brands and accessing larger markets. The Palash brand gives products made by rural women a common identity and helps them reach customers outside their immediate communities.
The Jharkhand Pavilion at IITF 2026 provides these entrepreneurs with an opportunity to connect with new buyers and expand their businesses while promoting the state’s traditional skills and cultural identity.