Started as a cattle fair in 1905 by the erstwhile king of Gwalior, the Srimant Madhav Rao, Gwalior Trade Fair has emerged as the biggest Trade Fair in Madhya Pradesh. The fair which usually commences during the last week of December every year and runs for about 45 days is organised by the Gwalior Trade Fair Authority, a nodal agency of the Government of Madhya Pradesh. This year the Trade Fair is expected to commence on January 1.

Every year national, multi- national and government companies set up their stalls to trade various items that include electrical, leather, home appliances, clothes and a wide variety of other items.

For some years now, the automobile and the electronic sectors had not put up their stalls in the Trade Fair due to disputes with the government on rebates in taxes. The absence of these vital sectors had taken away much of the sheen of this prestigious Fair, resulting in a huge drop in the number of visitors.

Realizing this, the Trade Fair Authority has initiated talks with the representatives of the electronic and the automobile business community, with a view to lure them to the Fair. According to sources the representatives of these sectors have shown interest in the Trade Fair Authority’s proposal and are considering setting up their stalls, even though a definite commitment is yet to come. However, the Trade Fair Authority seems to be certain of their participation and has set aside a few stalls for them in prime locations.

The Trade Fair Authority has also instigated an elaborate plan to regulate the electric consumption and collection of electricity charges in the Jhoola sector. In the last year alone the Trade Fair Authority had lost more than Rs 5 lakhs in consumption charges.  Separate meters will be installed this year for each participant to facilitate a hassle free procedure for the recovery of electricity charges.

Plans are also afoot to have a ‘Bollywood Night’ during the Fair period where artists from the Hindi film industry will perform for the audience. Talks have also been initiated with famed poets for the ‘Kavi Sammelan’, which has always been an integral part of the Trade Fair.