The Shrimant Madho Rao Schindiya Gwalior Trade Fair is the most colourful fair of North India. Gwalior Trade Fair has been named after King Madho Rao Scindiya because this fair was the outcome of his creative bent of mind.
Gwalior Trade Fair was started 100 years back initially as a cattle fair. Today this Trade Fair has emerged as the biggest fair of Madhya Pradesh. The fair is not only popular in India but it is also enjoys its international acclaim.
The fair is administered by an autonomous body, Gwalior Trade Fair Authority.
The fair ground spreads over an area of 104 acres which is divided into several pavilions and sectors . It has 1,200 permanent pavilions, more than 500 platforms and 3,000 kiosks.
Usually the Gwalior Trade Fair starts every year around the middle of December and lasts for a month.
Both private national and multinational and governmental companies set up their stalls to sell their varied products. The items that are sold here ranges from the products of cottage industry, leather goods, cloths and apparels, luggage, pottery, electronics and home appliances, automobiles and furniture, plastic goods to metal wares. The Trade Fair provides Golden opportunity to expand business. Artisans from all over India gather at this platform to display and find buyer for their art piece.
Trading of cattle is done in the mela. About 10,000 animals are sold and bought every year.Hasya kavi sammelan, kavvali competation, Mushairas, Cultural Evenings, Music Nights and many other activities are the major attraction and integral part of the Mela. Exhibitions held in the fair enlighten the minds of people and spread awareness about the burning concerns or issues. For entertainment of people, especially children the fair is lodged with their favorite swings, magic shows, giant wheels, magic shows etc.
How to reach Gwalior
Gwalior is 321 kilometers from Delhi down the Agra –Mumbai highway.
By Air
Gwalior airport is located 8km from the main city. It is connected to all the major cities in India by direct flights.
By Rail
Gwalior railway station is located on the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi -Chennai rail link. All the major trains running north-south and some trains on the Delhi –Mumbai route including the Taj and Shatabdi Express connect Gwalior with Delhi and Agra.
By Road
Gwalior is well connected by a good road network connecting all the major places in Madhya Pradesh and the surrounding areas.
The Fair ground is at a distance of 2 Kilometers from Railway Station/Bus Stand. There are many good Hotels in Gwalior.