Hyderabad is set to usher in the New Year with the opening of one of its most iconic and eagerly awaited events — the All India Industrial Exhibition, popularly known as Numaish. The 85th edition of the historic exhibition will commence on January 1 at the Numaish Maidan, continuing its legacy as one of the world’s oldest annual consumer fairs. The exhibition will be formally inaugurated by Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, marking the beginning of a 45-day celebration of commerce, culture and community life.
Announcing the arrangements, State Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu said the exhibition this year will feature around 1,050 stalls, making it one of the largest editions in recent years. Spread across the vast grounds of Numaish Maidan, the exhibition will bring together traders, manufacturers and business organisations from across India. Stalls have been allotted by the All India Industrial Exhibition Society (AIIES), the organising body that has been managing the event for decades.
Numaish has long been a symbol of Hyderabad’s pluralistic culture and commercial vibrancy. Since its inception in the 1930s, the exhibition has evolved from a modest industrial showcase into a massive consumer fair that attracts lakhs of visitors every year. For many families in Hyderabad and neighbouring districts, a visit to Numaish during the winter months is a cherished tradition that combines shopping, entertainment and food under one roof.
Visitors to this year’s edition can expect a wide variety of products ranging from handicrafts, handlooms and traditional textiles to household goods, electronics, furniture and decorative items. Exhibitors from different States are known to bring region-specific products, giving the fair a pan-Indian flavour. Food stalls offering popular snacks and sweets from across the country are also expected to be a major draw, especially during evenings and weekends.
One of the key announcements this year is the revision of the entry fee. The organisers have increased the ticket price to Rs 50 per person, compared to Rs 40 in the previous edition. However, entry will continue to be free for children below the age of five, ensuring that families can still visit the exhibition without additional burden for young children. According to the organisers, the revised fee is aimed at meeting rising operational costs and improving visitor facilities.
The AIIES has stated that special attention has been given to infrastructure, safety and crowd management, given the large footfall the exhibition witnesses every year. Arrangements are being made to ensure smooth movement within the exhibition grounds, along with adequate lighting, sanitation and drinking water facilities. Security personnel and volunteers will be deployed to assist visitors and maintain order throughout the 45-day event.
For traders and small businesses, Numaish continues to serve as an important platform to reach a diverse customer base. Many exhibitors plan their participation months in advance, viewing the exhibition as an opportunity to showcase products, test markets and build brand recognition. The long duration of the fair also allows businesses to sustain sales over several weeks, particularly during weekends and public holidays.
Beyond commerce, Numaish remains deeply embedded in the social fabric of Hyderabad. The exhibition grounds often become a meeting point for people from different walks of life, reflecting the city’s inclusive spirit. As the New Year begins, the opening of the 85th Numaish once again signals the start of a season filled with shopping, leisure and cultural exchange.
