Curtains to come down on Numaish on Monday, a look at Hyderabad’s iconic exhibition

HYDERABAD

The curtains will come down on the annual Numaish in Hyderabad on Monday (February 17, 2025). So far, 17 lakh people have visited the All India Industrial Exhibition, known for bringing together a diverse range of shopping, food, and entertainment from all over the country, every year. Let’s take a look at the ongoings at Numaish 2025!

Thousands of Hyderabadis every year attend the exhibition to either fill their wardrobes or homes with goodies and essentials. This year, as we manoeuvre through the streets of Numaish lined with hanging clothes and screaming salesmen, there seems to be an eerily similar sight in every stall.

Despite the exhibition’s acclaimed charm, some visitors had mixed feelings this year. Shweta, a regular, said, “The stock in wholesale clothes stalls feels quite repetitive. It’s the same product everywhere. However, skipping Numaish isn’t an option. It’s part of our lives, something we look forward to every year.”

Speaking about the prices, Uma, another shopper, noted, “Some items are priced similarly to what you’d find in General Bazaar, but the quality isn’t always the best. Still, we come for the experience. Numaish isn’t just about buying things—it’s about nostalgia.”

Since 1938

Walking through the lanes leading to the gates of Numaish feels like stepping into every Hyderabadi’s nostalgia and into the city’s vibrant cultural and commercial heritage. The Ajanta Gate, one of the oldest entrances, holds memories for generations of visitors. Operating since 1938, Numaish attracts over 2.5 million visitors annually, making it a cherished tradition for many.

Weekend rush builds at the Ajanta Gate of Nampally Exhibition Grounds as visitors flock to Numaish in Hyderabad on Sunday (January 19, 2025)
| Photo Credit:
SIDDHANT THAKUR

Crowd swells from 3.30 p.m.

The gates open at 11 a.m., but the real rush begins around 3:30 p.m. as customer vehicles exit and the market comes alive. Clear signage, like Road 1, 2, 3, etc ensures visitors can easily navigate the sprawling grounds. For those arriving by Hyderabad Metro , Gandhi Bhavan station is the most convenient stop. Inside the station, representatives guide visitors, and signs clearly point the way to the exhibition, ensuring a smooth transition from transit to the bustling fairgrounds.

Heavy weekend rush at Hyderabad’s Numaish slows traffic near Gandhi Bhavan Metro Station in Hyderabad on Sunday (January 19, 2025)
| Photo Credit:
SIDDHANT THAKUR

At the heart of the exhibition, close to the Ajanta Gate, are the main office and radio station. These serve as crucial hubs for lost children or other visitor concerns. Regular announcements help families reunite, while cops patrol the grounds to ensure a safe and organized environment.

Visitors arriving by car can enter through the Elora Gate (Gate 3), which allows vehicles to park inside the Exhibition Grounds between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Cars are permitted to remain inside only during these hours, after which they must exit. Police personnel and traffic officers carefully monitor the flow of vehicles to maintain order.

To maintain the exhibition’s cleanliness and order, constant announcements remind stall owners to follow strict rules. Vendors are instructed to dispose of trash properly and keep it in designated areas. Marketing outside allotted spaces, such as handing out pamphlets, is strictly prohibited. The announcements also remind the stall owners to keep their trash aside for the teams of sanitation workers who regularly collect waste to ensure the premises remain clean for the thousands of visitors who pass through each day.

Oldest store of a Kashmiri vendor

Among the exhibition’s many vendors, a few cherished names have stood the test of time, becoming part of Numaish’s legacy. Makhdoomia Dry Fruits, a Kashmiri vendor that has been attending the exhibition for over 60 years, remains a crowd favorite. “When we started, no one knew what dry fruits were. Now we are the oldest store here” recalled the owner.

Other long-time vendors include National Crockery and Glassware, which has been offering household items for over 30 years, and Bakri Amusement, which has been entertaining families with its rides and games for nearly 50 years.

As the evening sets in, the exhibition lights up with glowing stalls, vibrant chatter, and the aroma of street food. A few landmarks, such as the Sai Baba temple, the Gandhi statue etc., give visitors reference points as they explore the bustling grounds.

For visitors like Nirmala, now 60, Numaish happens to be a treasure trove of memories. “I’ve been coming here since I was a child. I have so many stories! Once my cousin holding one of those ball ice creams got lost, and we had to make an announcement at the radio station. We found her brawling in the arms of a police official and still she never left that ball, refusing to let go of it! She had her priorities straight!” she laughed.

(Jaanbi and Varsha Sagi)