Aligarh Numaish

This is my tribute to the Great Aligarian Numaish. I regret not being able to attend this grand carnival of Aligarh for the ninth consecutive year in succession.

Photo Courtesy: http://aligarh.nic.in/numaish.htm

The Rajakiya Agriculture and Industrial Exhibition, Aligarh better known as Aligarh Numaish, is one of the priceless memories Aligarians carry in their hearts. This event has been timeless in its own way because the fun experienced by aligarians of my father's time was the same as what I did.
Every year, this exhibition is held at a particular time of the year (26th Jan - 15th Feb). This is the time all aligarians wait and plan for, with passionate fervor. The families wait for the numaish for buying a lot of fancy stuff while the students of AMU have their own fancies. ;-)

There were some people who could boast of 100 percent attendance at the Numaish, meaning they didn't miss even a single day. Some were not so regular so they visited on alternate days. The most boring ones waited for the Exhibition Dinner sponsored by the University. When the day same, even these ‘most’ boring ones were seen dressed up in their finest suits, sherwanis and blazers as if they were about to attend a wedding reception. The age told AMU tradition has been to walk all the way to Numaish ground (That’s what we call the exhibition ground, precisely). Now that, some Halls (read hostels) are constructed really far away from the Numaish ground so people ride their bicycles or drive down in today’s context.

AMU Proctorial Team
Now, this exhibition was the time when these guys really got to know or flaunt their importance. I remember seeing a band of Black Sherwani clad young and dashing boys moving around in a group. They used to ask all AMU resident students to leave the exhibition ground by sharp 10:00 PM (which hardly ever happened). In case of any Bhasad (read crisis), these heroes of AMU Proctorial Team flung into action just like we have bouncers in discotheques and pubs. Anyways, it was always considered a worth-taking-pride job as it sometimes involved escorting the girls from Abdullah.

Abdullah Hall Visit
The day when all the glitterati were supposed to have descended upon the precincts of the grand Exhibition ‘darbar’. Too much!!!! Right?
Yes, that’s how the response has always been to Abdullah Hall visit to Exhibition for their official dinner. Speculations were made for the day when this would happen. The Provost and wardens of Abdullah Hall kept mum about the day. One evening, the girls would be asked to get ready and march towards the fleet of buses waiting to carry them to the place where all eyes are waiting for them.

Well, going into the history, this happened for the last time in 1994, which was my debut visit to the Numaish. Because of unexpected rains, it became unmanageable and the authorities decided to repent and never bring all the girls together. That spoilsport rain!!!! But, anyways I was lucky to be there ;-) Then onwards, it was one hostel of Abdullah at one time, until I was in AMU.

Photo Courtesy: http://www.anindianmuslim.com

Jhanda Hotel and Nazeer Hotel
These are the names of two restaurants which participate in the numaish every year. The Halwa-Paratha and Tea at these joints is out-of-the-world. During the Numaish days, all the B’day treats, and the bets are settled for this Halwa-Paratha. Another specialty of these joints happens to be the cabins meant for families. They offer a nice place to meet aligarian cousins. Do we need elaboration here?

Saree suhag – saree suhag
While the students used to enjoy looking more at people than at the items meant for numaish, the 3-rupee softy ice-cream seller was making a fortune out of it. The popcorn seller was not far behind though. Amidst all this, one could hear the advertisements aired on the numaish radio: Saree suhag – saree suhag, mere hathon mein nau nau choodiyan hain…” These ads would come to a halt abruptly and the announcer would say: ek ladka jiska naam sonu hai aur usne laal kameez aur neeli nekar pehni hui hai, numaish mein kho gaya hai, jis kisi ko miley wo usey control room pahucha dey.. Ting Tong”

The Fountain (Phawwara)
A common meeting place in the exhibition ground. If you can’t find someone who is lost in the crowd, wait for him at the Phawwara or rather request the control room guys to make an announcement for him to find you at the Phawwara.

The Assembly of Poets (Mushaira)
Every year, a grand mushaira is organized and the most renowned poets from all parts of country are invited. It is something very enticing for all Urdu lovers and most of the Aligs were such that they were ready to do anything for a seat in the auditorium.

Gadbad jhala
Who wouldn’t remember stepping into this complex and getting lost in the noise and commotion of people and loudspeakers? The Giant Wheel et al…

The Great Indian Variety Show!
Lastly, the adventure part!!!
Sadly, I never had the courage to see that part of the world. As it was something to be SEEN, therefore, the lesser said about it, the better.

Hope this took you through a nice roller costar ride down the memory lane. If you liked it, don’t hesitate in leaving a comment on the blog or dropping a line at qaismujeeb@gmail.com

~ Qais