Hyderabad’s 85th Numaish Opens with Grandeur, Celebrating Trade, Culture, and Community

Hyderabad, Jan 2026 : The 85th edition of the All India Industrial Exhibition, popularly known as ‘Numaish’, began on Thursday with great fanfare, drawing crowds eager to witness one of the country’s oldest and most celebrated annual trade fairs.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, along with State Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu and State Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, inaugurated the exhibition at the sprawling Numaish Maidan. The annual 45-day event, which has grown into a major cultural and commercial attraction, features more than 1,000 stalls showcasing products from across Telangana and other states.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Vikramarka extended the state government’s full support to the All India Industrial Exhibition Society (AIIES) in conducting the fair. He highlighted the historic significance of Numaish, emphasizing that the exhibition, which began in 1938, has evolved into a global benchmark for trade and culture.

“‘Numaish’ is not just a marketplace—it is a celebration of Hyderabad’s economic and cultural heritage,” Vikramarka said. He also inaugurated the stall of the Chanchalguda Jail and praised the Exhibition Society for its social initiatives, including education and women’s empowerment programs. The Deputy Chief Minister further noted the government’s efforts to transform Hyderabad into a world-class city with improved safety and pollution-free spaces.

This year, the organisers have increased the entry fee to Rs 50 per head, up from Rs 40, and the exhibition will remain open from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and until 11 p.m. on weekends.

The origins of Numaish, formally called Numaish-e-Masnuaat-e-Mulki, date back to the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, who inaugurated the first event in 1938. Initially launched to promote locally produced goods, the fair started with just 50 stalls and a modest capital of Rs 2.50. Inspired by the enthusiastic response, the exhibition was made an annual event, and proceeds were used to fund education and charitable initiatives. A group of graduates from Osmania University conceptualized the fair as a means to survey the state’s economy.

Over the decades, Numaish has weathered historical interruptions, including the years 1947–48 due to the post-Independence turmoil, and the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Since its revival in 1949, the fair has continued uninterrupted, growing in scale and prestige.

Today, Numaish is considered the mother of all carnivals in Hyderabad, attracting not only residents from the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad but also visitors from across Telangana and neighboring states. On an average day, around 45,000 people attend the exhibition, enjoying a blend of shopping, amusement rides, cultural performances, and a variety of local and international cuisines.

The fair continues to serve its original purpose of promoting trade while also supporting the broader community. Revenues generated are directed toward the educational and charitable institutions run by the All India Industrial Exhibition Society. Over time, Numaish has grown into a unique convergence of commerce, culture, and social service—an event that encapsulates Hyderabad’s rich heritage and spirit of enterprise.

With its 85th edition now underway, Numaish remains an enduring symbol of tradition, innovation, and community celebration, offering visitors a feast for the senses and a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Hyderabad.