For all those who have not visited the annual Numaish this year, there is still some hope as the Exhibition Society is considering extending the event by a couple of days more as against the customary last date of February 15.
Since the last day is followed by the weekend, the society feels it will be beneficial for both visitors and stall owners. The society had earlier allowed the exhibition to continue beyond the last date earlier too.
Meeting on Wednesday
“We will extend the date if there is demand from the public. It will be decided at a meeting on Wednesday,” said R. Sukesh Reddy, Honorary Secretary, Exhibition Society.
Another issue for considering the extension is the heavy rush witnessed on the weekends consistently. The 46-day fair had attracted more than 22 lakh people this year including foreign tourists. “The Numaish has always held a special place in the hearts of the people and has served as a recreational place for all sections of society.
Protests
Initially, there were protests from the public about the high entrance ticket fares, but later it melted down. After all, it is once in a year that the fair opens up for the public,” says Mr. Reddy.
Things went off peacefully except for the abrupt closure of stalls set up by the traders from Pakistan after protests by some organisations.
Rs. 3 crore earned
The society had managed to earn about Rs. 3 crore by way of entrance fee collection alone. About 2,200 traders from across the country are participating in the fair, and a few new joyrides were also introduced this year.
