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CITY'S ANNUAL NUMAISH
 The
annual grand gala fete of the city, the Hyderabad
Industrial Exhibition, is here again with all its
charm and spice. The exhibition, which was inaugurated
by the Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on
January 1, 2001, is now attracting the crowds after
the first two weeks of sleepy and chilly days. The Exhibition
Society member Janaki Ram says that it is a general
phenomenon that the crowds pick up slowly but steadily
after Sankranthi.
 "The
Hyderabad Industrial Exhibition is like a mini India.
People from all parts of India come here for shopping
and for business. But for me, this exhibition is like
a winter holiday-cum-business trip. When I am in Hyderabad
for these two months, I will be away from severe winter
cold of Kashmir and at the same time it gives me good
business," said Ahmed Makhdoomia, a
dry fruit vendor who came all the way from Kashmir.
 Enter
the exhibition either from the Ajantha gate or
the Main gate and you will be greeted by a variety
of stalls and products. Certainly, you will be confused
as to which side to go first. Don't worry! Both the
ways take you to all stalls. Of course, the ground is
not a circular one but the stalls are so arranged that
you would not miss any one, if you have patience to
visit all.
It is a general trend that two thirds of the visitors
are women and children. There is nothing uncommon about
it, because most of the stalls sell and display goods
like textiles, garments, imitation jewellery and
toys which are the favourites of ladies and kids.
"The main feature of the exhibition is that
there is something for every body. Women find all types
of dress materials and home needs here. Children enjoy
games and toys. I eagerly waited for this lovely event
all the year to buy dress materials and fashion footwear,"
said Dr Pranitha Reddy, who has been visiting
the exhibition since her childhood.
 For
those who love sarees, there are a variety of handloom
sarees from Andhra, Madhya Pradesh, UP, Orissa and
Bengal to choose from. "Jamadani cotton
and Dhaka silk sarees ranging from Rs. 300
to Rs. 5000 is the speciality of Bengal. We are
doing well here," said Bholanath, owner
of a Bengalee Handloom Cloth Store. For the teenage
girls there are varieties of Lucknowi kurthas, salwaar
kameezs and leather garments. Stalls selling
cosmetics, bindis, hand bags and kitchenware
fascinate the women wanting to add more to their wardrobe
or kitchen.
For kids, there is lot of fun and joy. Children can
enjoy ice-creams, masala popcorns and toys apart from
the regular giant wheel and adventure sports. Teens
can test theirHand Power andPunch Powerat
the machines scattered all over the ground. Bicycles,
toys and ready-made garment stalls are the kids favourite
destinations at the Numaish. "I will
ask my papa to buy the Power Bike displayed at
the Hero Cycles stall," said nine-year-old
Harish, who came to visit the exhibition with
his mother.
 There
are imported luminaries and decorative lamps at Electrical
Lines, designer tiles at Moghal Mosaic, furnishing
material, and a whole range of latest technology home
appliances of all brands. Most of the stalls are offering
attractive exhibition discounts. For instance, the National
Textile Emporium is offering 20 per cent discount
on all its products. Sansui is selling its home
theatre system with a price tag of Rs. 6990, three thousand
less than the actual cost. At some stalls, if you don't
find a discount, certainly there will be a free gift.
Don't miss that!
"Majority of the people come here 'to see and
enjoy', only a few people are serious buyers. The serious
buyers also don't take the decisions on the spot. They
look at the product and go home to decide on which brand
to buy, and come after a week or a month to do final
shopping. The home appliances sales in Hyderabad generally
pick up after exhibition," remarked Sandhya,
sales in-charge at Sansui's stall.
 The
Netmania has participated in the exhibition
as well. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like
Nettlinx and website companies like hyderabad.com,
aptemples.com and khojhyderabad.com are offering
free surfing and chatting in big stalls to increase
the awareness of the Web among Hyderabadis.
All these are meant for the young and the energetic
lovely ones. But is there anything for the grandmas
and grandpas? Yes. Why not. Solejet, the rock
dew collected at higher altitudes of Himalayas,
is a good medicine for diabetes and joint
pains. Saffron Honey, a speciality product
of Kashmir valley, used in many ayurvedic medicines
is also available for Rs. 200 per kg. All these are
available at the Kashmiri dry fruit shops near Gate-I.
There are a number of refreshment stalls which offer
cool drinks, hot beverages, garam mirchi, spicy chat
and pop corn to relax with, if you are tired
of browsing and buying.
 There
are 2,500 stalls in all and it takes at least 3 to 5
hours to have a glance at the major stalls. The stalls
are divided into different sections like textile,
cosmetics, home appliances, computers and dryfruits,
and are placed section-wise side by side facilitating
the visitors an easy tour of the stalls.
The exhibition will be here till February 15, 2000.
The Exhibition is open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Entry fee is Rs. 3.
Well, when are you planning your visit to the Exhibition?
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