Numaish is here

There is no event in Hyderabad that attracts such a wide cross-section of people. From top businessmen to the roadside vendor, page 3 types to wannabes, all make a bee-line to the Exhibition Grounds. A flashback.

Hyderabad has changed a lot. Malls, multiplex complexes, resorts and entertainment plazas have sprung up across the city but the annual All India Industrial Exhibition popularly known as ‘Numaish’ by old-timers, is something no Hyderabadi misses.

Started with a handful of stalls in 1938 at the Public Gardens, it was shifted to the present site in 1946. What was once a 10-day long exhibition, is today a 46 days annual affair. In 1938, it was called Numaish Masnuaat-e-Mulki which attracted a few thousands. In the last couple of years, the numaish attracted more than 20 lakh people every year, with an annual increase of 10 per cent visitors.

The growth of the exhibition has been phenomenal. The idea was sown in the discussions of the Economic Committee of the Osmania Graduates Association in 1938 to raise funds, to conduct an economic survey of the state. “It was the brainwave of Mahmood Ali, lecturer of City College, to have stalls erected in connection with the Nizam’s Silver Jubilee Numaish at Public Gardens. The proposal was approved by the then Prime Minister of Hyderabad, Sir Akber Hyderi,” says Ashwin Margam, president of the Exhibition Society. In the early years, the society could manage to just have a net margin of Rs 4,000, now the management looks to a profit of Rs 14 crores at the end of the event.

Right from the beginning, the exhibition has attracted people and was graced by Prime Ministers, Presidents, eminent industrialists and scientists. Dr S Radhakrishnan, C Rajagopalachari, Dr Zakir Hussain, Morarji Desai have all visited the exhibition. “What endears is that people from all sections of society make it to the fair. It is an annual pilgrimage for families in Hyderabad. Many are seen even having dinner on the grounds amidst all the hustle and bustle,” says Sadhana, a resident of West Marredpally.

In the past few years parking though has been a major issue for people but they do not miss visiting the expo. Sunil, a resident of Bowenpally says, “The city is bursting at the seams and one cannot help but bear the inconvenience. We are planning to take public transport this time.”

The Numaish was started with an aim to popularise local products but it has now gained an all India base. What makes the Numaish popular is the wide range of products on offer. Mallika, a homemaker says, “We buy cutlery and Lucknow chicken suits only from the exhibition. We also send stuff to our friends in Hubli.”

Times have changed and Hyderabad too has morphed from a laidback city to a happening one. But the legacy of Numaish is a reminder of a glorious culture of Hyderabad.