- Numaish Nampally Exhibition – Image Source: http://tourisminhyderabadplaces.blogspot.in
Numaish Nampally Exhibition – A tradition of 75+ years
In an age where shopping translates into air conditioned shopping malls, open air exhibitions melas are rarely heard of. Over years, most of such exhibitions and melas have dissolved.
One extremely popular open air exhibition that still exists in the country is Numaish Masnuaat-e-Mulki, meaning ‘exhibition of the local products’ more popularly known as ‘Numaish’ Urdu for ‘exhibition’ in Hyderabad. In the reign of the last Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, the first Numaish was organized by Osmania University students. From then, 1938 to today, Numaish is held from January 1 – February 15 of every year and became an important tourist place of Hyderabad.
The variety of products at Numaish is endless. Traders from all over the country and many a times, from outside the country also, set up their stalls here. Textiles, jewellery, handicrafts, toys, kitchenware, ceramics, crockery, dry fruits, leather goods, electronic devices, home decors, items, you name it and Numaish sells it !
There are Iranian and Pakistani traders selling chandeliers, sculptures and ethnic products, Kashmiri merchants with their pashminas, dry fruits, saffron and carpets, businessmen from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan with their rich handicrafts. Everything and anything is available here.
The Numaish is not just a market for producers and customers. In the past, it helped to bring about light winds of change in the society also. After 3 years of its start, the concept of a ‘Ladies’ night’ was introduced, wherein an evening of the exhibition was solely dedicated to ladies for shopping. Locally, the purdah for ladies of the Muslim community was broken to an extent as more of them stepped out.
In the 45 day period that Numaish is held, it becomes the buzz of the town. All roads of the city lead to it as people from neighboring places come here in masses. Sometimes, considering the heavy rush even in the 45 day period, Numaish is extended 2-3 days. (Also called as Nampally Exhibition). The state government also encourages Numaish as a tourism spot in Hyderabad.
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From the plain market it started as, Numaish (Nampally Exhibition) now makes for a great family outing. There are medical facilities available including ultrasound check up and blood sugar testing. Mushaira or poetry, magic shows, cultural evenings, musical concerts are regularly held during the Nampally exhibition. A mini train, ferris wheel, Colombus etc. is entertainment for the children. The famous Hyderabadi biryani and other delicacies are served at food stalls. There are Rangoli making, painting and flower arrangement competitions for children.
Parking poses as a problem since the rush at Numaish is tremendous, all days. But the revenue collected is quite substantial as lakhs of people visit each year. In the recent years, CCTV cameras are operated and live streaming of the Nampally exhibition is posted on the internet. From the 100 stalls that the Numaish started with, the growth has been tremendous. Numaish, today, does not just cater to the basic needs or the need for entertainment of people; it is a legacy in itself. The 75+ years culture of this exhibition for the sake of Hyderabad people and Telangana people is still being continued.
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Distance:
– 9 Kms from Secunderabad Railway Station (40-45 min drive)
– 2.5 Kms from MGBS Bus Stop, Hyderabad ( 15-20 min drive)
Public Transport to Nampally Exhibition:
– Buses from Secunderabad – 8A, 49A, 8C, 7Z, 8N, etc (every 10 minutes)
– Buses from MGBS Bus Stop, Hyderabad – 8A, 218, 156, 222, 158, 156L (every 10 minutes)
– Nearest MMTS station is Hyderabad (Nampally) Station. 1Km far from Nampally Station
Location of Numaish (Nampally Exhibition Grounds): 23 acres in Nampally. 1kms far from Nampally Railway Station.
Food Facilities: Plenty of hotels and food stalls available in Nampally Exhibition grounds during this time.
Numaish Timings: 4.00 P.M. to 11.00 P.M from 01 Jan to 15 Feb
Entry Fee: Rs.20 and free for kids of age below 3 years.
Neary by Tourist Attractions:
– State Assembly
– Public Gardens
– State Museum
Address: Ehibition Grounds, Mukarramjahi Road, Nampally, Hyderabad-500001
Contact Numbers: 040-24603015, 040-24603553, 040-24608589