Hyderabad : In the midst of the ongoing pandemic, the much-anticipated 46-day Numaish, officially known as the All India Industrial Exhibition, is scheduled to commence on January 1, 2024. With the specter of Covid looming, the fate of this grand annual trade fair remains uncertain.
The current Covid landscape in the state reveals 55 active cases, with Hyderabad, Numaish’s bustling venue, contributing 45 to this tally. Last year, the exhibition attracted a substantial footfall of almost 23 lakh visitors, but this year’s edition might witness a downturn due to pandemic concerns.
State Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha has called for a crucial meeting with health officials to assess the Covid-19 situation. Anticipating potential risks, the government is likely to issue Covid-appropriate guidelines for both Numaish organizers and attendees.
Traditionally inaugurating on the first day of the new year and extending until the second week of February, Numaish holds the distinction of being the largest industrial exhibition in the country. Traders from various corners of India converge to showcase their products, contributing to the event’s prominence. Last year saw approximately 1800 stalls in operation despite pandemic apprehensions.
Numaish, initially titled ‘Numaish Masnuaat-e-Mulki,’ commenced with 50 stalls at Public Gardens (Bagh-e-Amma) in 1938. In 1946, it found a permanent home at Exhibition Grounds. Apart from disruptions in 1947 and 1948 due to post-independence turmoil, Numaish has been a steadfast annual affair, playing a pivotal role in India’s industrial exhibition landscape. The first Numaish was inaugurated by the seventh ruler, Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan.
