Numaish revives those déjà vu feelings

After the formation of TS, the expo is being held for the first time. And just like the visitors, many of the stall owners have also been around for decades, managing to build rapport with customers who they see almost every year.

Thousands of citizens visit the annual Hyderabad Industrial Exhibition where different stalls selling different products will be put up for the month-long show in Hyderabad on Sunday. Photo: By Arrangement

The 75 year of the Numaish could not have come at a better time, for apart from being a mark in the city’s history, it is also the first-time it is being conducted in the newly-formed State of Telangana.

And what exactly is it that draws scores of people each year to the exhibition, which becomes a sea of life every year? “Perhaps it is the fact that we don’t get to go on the wonderful rides, and get the ‘mela’ feeling. Also, for me, it is more about revisiting my childhood days. I used to come with my father, now I come with my children,” said a beaming Abdul Hameed, an employee at a private company.

And for others, it is also a shopper’s paradise for those who like traditional clothes from different parts of India. Take for example, Preethi Reddy, who makes sure to visit the Numaish at least twice during the period it is up. And for her too, it has been a must visit since her childhood. “Back then it was for the rides and small eateries, but now it’s mainly for shopping with my family,” she said.

And just like the visitors, many of the stall owners have also been around for decades, managing to build rapport with customers who they see almost every year. “My grandfather came here first 35 years ago, and since then we come here regularly,” mentioned Jahangir, a resident of Srinagar, Kashmir, who runs a dry fruit mart at the Numaish.

Ganesh (name changed), a trader from Lucknow, also finds the people from Hyderabad very receptive and friendly in terms of customer-relations. “I have never had a bad experience here. Whatever I sell, people have returned to ask for more along with their friends,” he said.

Sigh of relief

For Jahangir, this year’s Numaish is also important, as his State is economically recovering from the devastation of the floods that wreaked havoc this year. Also, the fact there will be no more protests for the formation of Telanagana only helps and others as a businessman.

“Two or three years ago, when there were bandhs and protests, we had no business because the public would not come out. So thankfully, that won’t happen anymore, and I hope the new Telangana government only develops the Numaish further,” mentioned Jahangir.

G. N. Agarwal, another trader from Lucknow, also was of the same view, felt that the business environment will be better henceforth. “Any kind of strike such as an auto-rickshaw strike, which affects public transport is bound to have an effect here,” he pointed out.