Most of us would have had such childhood times at an exhibition, but for an Hyderabadi it is an All India industrial exhibition called Numaish. For them, it is an institution in itself for all things hyderabadi. Every January 1, the mela opens up and throws off gear the resolve of all those hyderabadis who have made a resolution of spending money thriftily.
Numaish Masnuaat-e-Mulki , popularly called Numaish has that mesmerizing effect on any hyderabadi. The title literally means exhibition of locally made products like cottage industry which includes stalls of men and women prisoners. But, today it is also a window to heavy industry, trade and commerce . It has 2500 stalls catering to 25 lakh visitors. Now, its reach has increased beyond india and brings in participants from Pakistan, Iran, Turkey etc.
Originally in 1938 ,it started as a ten day fair with 100 stalls and was a platform for the traders to showcase their goods and services to the consumer . What started as a result of discussions by the Osmania Graduates association to raise funds for conducting economic survey of the then Hyderabad state has now turned into world’s longest exhibition for 46 days and completes 75 years in 2015. Even now, the proceeds go to educate the economically backward of the region.
If you are an Indian, who is allergic to desi stuff and buy branded phoren maal at malls, this place is not for you. But, if you heart desi things, haats, mela and fairs then this place is for you.
The range of products starts from branded consumer durables like fridge washing machine , fabrics, kitchen utilities, accessories and many more to the smallest item of a safety pin . Competing with these branded FMCG is desi or locally made ones like portable geysers, washing machines and other innovative utilities. The last time I went to this exhibition in 2010, I found a simple desi washing machine. A portable motor fixed to the rim of a bucket full of soap soaked clothes. The motor churns and tosses the clothes in the bucket and knocks the dirt out of the clothes. So simple! Space saver too!!
Of course it may not be durable or practical for a family but definitely a boon for all those working men/women who stay in hostels or on the move and don’t want to invest more.
One of the high points about this mela is, don’t ever take the “FIXED PRICE” boards seriously. No haggling talent required, Just ask in simple hyderabadi “ Accha bhai, aakhri daam dene ka bolo” and the stall owner would say “ woh bhi aapich bata do, madam” and without any fuss bring the rates to half drastically or even below that and he will ask “ kaunsi color chahiye aapko”. That is the beauty of Numaish. You get them at dirt cheap rates.
As one goes shopping around in the open to sky expo, one can have a quick bite of all those desi street food like chaats, kababs, puffs, irani samosa ,jalebi, different types of hyderabadi biscuits and unwind at the various amusement rides.
One can see many childish ...no...no...child like adults enjoying the amusement rides like the giantwheel, merry go round, toy train and awe at the 'maut ki kuan'( the well of death).
Overall, a nice place to unwind with the family, where you can indulge the child in you and relive your childhood memories , not just in Numaish in any mela or local fair.
Many think these crowded set-ups are passé and we have come a long way in terms of shopping like e-shopping. In these days of globalization and transportation, we get Kashmir products easily in kanya kumari and the products of WB easily in Gujarat. Why, even overseas products are easily shipped home.
But these types of mela’s and Numaish are a great place to enjoy and learn and this is what distinguishes one city from another or else there will be no difference when we walk out of Shoppers stop at Delhi or at Hyderabad buying the mass produced branded products.
These are a typical Indian affair in its real sense. But, one has to think twice before buying those demo products like vegetable slicers, chilli cutters, knife sharpeners etc.,
What are your experiences in your local mela? What have you brought and kept unused? Please forward all your feedback and reports to newscop@gmail.com to feature in thewse column.
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