The New Year begins on a Numaish note, the annual exhibition that promises to be more fun than the previous year
What event in Hyderabad attracts 25 lakh visitors annually across 46 days and is held at one venue? Now into its 83rd year, it has been a blockbuster event in the city, year after year and is India’s oldest and longest open-air day and night shopping fest. We refer to Numaish – the All-India Industrial Exhibition held in the first two months of the year in Hyderabad.
UP FOR SALE:
This year, as it has been in the last eight decades, Hyderabad’s best-known annual consumer exhibition features 100 joy rides, 2000 stalls for shopping, 200 eateries and other entertainment options for visitors. On sale are dry fruits and handicrafts of Jammu and Kashmir, handmade garments from Uttar Pradesh,
West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, carpets from Iran and handicraft items from all over India and electronic goods of the best brands in the country. There are special stalls organized by marginalized communities such as destitute women, the queer community and the prisoners.
BEST TIMES:
Visit the shopping stalls before 6 pm to be able to bargain better. Alternatively, visit in the last week (Feb 10-15th) when the event is in wrap-up mode and everything is sold off at discounted rates.
WHAT TO EAT:
The event is like a food festival for foodies of the city. From the regular classics such as chaat, mirchi bhajji,
popcorn, chhole bhature and haleem to health food, there is something for everyone and in every price range. Last year, there were stalls dedicated to vegan ice creams and millet delicacies and several forgotten Telangana recipes. This year too, there will be multiple such inclusions.
JOY RIDES:
The number of rides and the scale increases every year. You haven’t ticked off Numaish until you take at least one ride on the giant wheel. The wait time for tickets is 90 minutes to get your turn. There are scary, fun and amusing rides and over 100 options to choose from. There are also a lot of live events such as Hyderabadi stand-up comedy, dance and music events and entry is free for such events. Pro tip: While you are here, make sure you set aside your phone and catch the Hyderabadi Hindi conversations that take place on the public address system. It is funny and informative. Don’t forget to take the joy ride in the toy train that
goes around the venue for a nominal ticket. Remember, the wait time for the train could be 30 minutes.
Details
Tel: 040 2460 3015
Timings: 3 pm to 10.30 pm on weekdays, till 11 pm on weekends and public holidays;
Pro tip: To avoid crowds, visit during early evenings (3 pm when it begins) on weekdays or around 9 pm (closes at 11 pm on weekends and public holidays)
Entry: Rs 40 (free for kids below five years)
HOW TO ENTER:
There are three entry points: Gate No. 1 (Gandhi Bhavan Gate), Gate No. 2 (Ajanta Gate, biggest), and Gate No.3 (Goshamahal Gate).
HOW TO GET THERE: There are special buses to the exhibition every day until February 15 from across the
city. There is a Hyderabad Metro Station that is right in front of the gates. Avoid personal transport as the
average time to park is more than 40 minutes.
https://exhibitionsociety.com/
