Mohd.Akram/Hyderabad

The hustle and bustle of the markets traditionally linked with Ramazan and Eid has returned to the city of Hyderabad after two years of Pandemic and the related lockdown. While trappings of Islamic culture are visible in many markets, the Muslim-dominated localities, in particular, are soaked in religious fervor during the month with late-night prayers and preparations of sehri and Iftaar, the early morning and post-sunset meals for the family during the month.

During this month, people can be seen praying till late at night in many areas like the historic Charminar, Toli Chowki, Mehndipatnam, and Darul Shafa. Shops in these areas remain open throughout the night.

The historic Mecca masjid of Hyderabad during Ramazan

The devotional music of Naat Sharif and Qawwali coming from the city’s hotels bathed in the gleaming lights of the Muslim localities creates a pious atmosphere. All this lasts till Sehri. After Iftar, the hijab-wearing women go out to buy essential items for preparing the next day’s special meals for the family. This causes a heavy rush in places like ​Charminar.

After crossing the Musa River in the old town, one reaches the historic Medina Market. As the place is full of shoppers, it takes a lot of time to go reach Mecca Masjid from here.

Markets are buzzing with activity with the shops doing a brisk business of selling the aromatic Haleem, Biryani, perfume, cap, kurta, and children's toys on both sides of the road.

The Charmninar area market

In the Mecca Masjid area, west of the Charminar, preparations for Iftar begin well before dusk. 

Thousands of people sit together and break the fast at Mecca Masjid. Mecca Masjid has also been fully opened after two years.

The Wazoo food in the courtyard of Mecca Masjid has been decorated with lights all around. One can see a mob of people posing for selfies taken on mobiles. People can be seen praying in the mosque from evening prayers till late at night.

A Bengal seller waiting for customers

The shopkeepers are the happiest people to see the customers flocking in large numbers after two years of lockdown and dull market due to Covid pandemic. After two years, the lockdown has been completely removed from Hyderabad.

Abdul Jabbar Nadvi, the owner of a perfume shop says that his business has started picking up after two years. “People are coming to buy stuff from different shops. The atmosphere has become very nice. The crowd has doubled in Ramazan. The shops remain open till Sehri in the morning, ” he said.

Womnen out shopping in the evening

People come to visit Charminar after Iftar and enjoy a meal of Biryani, Haleem, Kulche, and Hyderabadi Kulche, special foods of the city.

A shopkeeper of Medina Market says that today he is feeling relieved as buyers have started coming to the market. He expects the rush to rise further closer to Eid and also people from outside Hyderabad coming to the city for shopping.

Marklet offers everything

A shopkeeper selling Biryani says that good business is expected after two years in the months of Ramzan. Corona restrictions have been removed. Hopefully, the market will do well.