A Mirror to Hyderabad’s Culture: Numaish

Numaish at Nampally is a true reflection of Hyderabad’s identity and its unique Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb (syncretic culture). With decades of history, millions of visitors, and business worth billions, this exhibition is more than just an event, it is an emotion. Here is a comprehensive look at the 85th All India Industrial Exhibition , set to commence on January 1, 2026 .

The Grandeur of the 85th Numaish

Just as Hyderabad is synonymous with the Charminar and Biryani, the Nampally Exhibition holds equal significance. What began in 1938 with a mere 100 stalls and a modest investment has evolved into one of Asia’s largest industrial exhibitions. From the era of United Andhra Pradesh to present-day Telangana, the fascination for 'Numaish' among city dwellers remains undiminished across generations.

Historical Background and Inception

The journey of Numaish began in 1938 during the reign of the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad State, Mir Osman Ali Khan . It was initiated by the Osmania University Graduates' Association with the primary objective of promoting local "Mulki" products and providing employment to local artisans. Although it started 87 years ago, this year marks the 85th edition due to a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Schedule and Visitor Information

According to Duddilla Sridhar Babu, the State Minister for IT and Industries, this year’s Numaish is being organized on a grander scale.

• Duration: January 1, 2026, to February 15 (46 days).

• Timings: Weekdays from 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM; Weekends and Public Holidays until 11:00 PM.

• Entry Fee: ₹50 per person (Free entry for children under 5 years).

• Commute: Metro trains will operate until 12:00 AM to accommodate visitors.

A Shopper’s Paradise

Nampally Numaish is a melting pot of diverse products. Highlights include:

• Kashmir: Pashmina shawls, dry fruits, and authentic woolen garments.

• Uttar Pradesh: Lucknowi Chikankari kurtas and Saharanpur wood furniture.

• Rajasthan: Marwari Juttis (footwear) and handicrafts.

• Handlooms: Banarasi silk sarees, Bengal cotton, and various state-specific weaves.

• Household: From modern kitchenware to home decor.

• Food: The quintessential Hyderabadi Irani Chai, Osmania biscuits, and a variety of street food.

Highlights of This Year

Approximately 2,000 stalls from across the country and abroad are being set up. Beyond private businesses, government bodies like the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) , Forest Department, and Tourism Department will host stalls to create public awareness. Special priority in stall allocation has been given to women and young entrepreneurs. For food enthusiasts, over 20 food courts will serve everything from Haleem to diverse regional cuisines.

Safety and Logistics

With an estimated 2.5 million visitors, security is a top priority.

Fire Safety:

Learning from past incidents, 82 fire points and two water sumps with a 1.5 lakh liter capacity have been installed.

Surveillance:

The grounds will be under constant watch via CCTV cameras and specialized watchtowers.

Parking:

Free parking facilities have been arranged around the exhibition premises.

Social Responsibility: A Fund for Education

Numaish is not merely a commercial fair, it secures the future of thousands of students. The Exhibition Society utilizes the revenue generated to run 19 educational institutions , providing quality education to nearly 30,000 students from underprivileged and middle-class backgrounds. It also provides a livelihood to over 2,000 staff members.

An Emotional Journey

For Hyderabadis, Numaish is a traditional family picnic. From riding the giant wheel and buying toys for children to discovering new household gadgets, it creates lifelong memories. As a symbol of Telangana's industrial growth and cultural unity, this 'Mini India' invites everyone to experience the splendor of Hyderabad starting this New Year’s Day.