Nitin Binekar/Mumbai/Malegoan

Malegaon, a city in Maharashtra with Muslims in majority, is abuzz with activities during Ramzan with shops selling special food and Itr (locally made fragrances) in abundance. It's time for locals of all religions to savor special Naan and dab use flowery fragrances.

Although local bakeries are known for making Khari, Pav, toast, and bread around the year, during Ramzan, all these outlets switch over Naan, which is a must-have for Sehri – the pre-dawn meal – by Muslims observing fasting for the month. It’s usually eaten with tea or milk.

According to an estimate, about five to six lakh Naan are prepared every day in the bakeries of Malegaon. Likewise, some two lakh bottles of Itr (perfume) have been sold in Malegoan so far.

This unusually large naan comes in many varieties and its price ranges from Rs 20 to Rs 100. It is also much in demand in the neighbouring areas of Dhule, Yeola, Manmad, Satna, and Kasmade.

The nan is a unifying food, for people of all faiths eat it throughout the month. Malegoan Naan comes in varities depending on the stuffing inside it - kaju, mawa, masala, dabba, cherry, special, khoya, etc.

Locals say some 20 to 25 bakeries operate their ovens round-the-clock during Ramzan to meet the demand for special naan.

A naan priced at Rs 20 is made from 50-60 grams of flour, and it takes 15-20 minutes to prepare.

Malegaon stays awake all night during Ramzan - milk shops, grocery stores, date-fruit sellers, confectioners, and hand carts selling naan in the squares. Since the naan is available only for a month, everyone wants to taste it.

People throng an Itr shop in Malegaon

The bakeries are also a source of livelihood for many locals with some six lakh naans being prepared and sold per day. Some people do some other business during the day and sell naan at night. 

Habib Sheikh, owner of Nawab Bakery, says, "Naan is made here throughout the month. Hindu brothers also eat it with great relish. People coming from outside also do not forget to take Naan for their families.”

In Ramzan, the special Naan not only turns out to as a food item, but becomes a part of the shared culture.

Hindus and Muslims sit together and eat it here, and this small thing sets a big example. The bakeries' ovens not only cook naan but also keep the love and brotherhood warm.

To add to the flavours of Eid ul Fitr, Malegoan alone has seen the sale of more than two lakh bottles of perfume (itr).

Muslims consider use of perfume and kohl and new clothes as mandatory for the festival Kohl and itr are sunnah, practices followed by Prophet Islam.

In Malegaon. Hundreds of varieties of Itr - from soft pink perfumes to strong spicy fragrances – are available from Rs 20 to 5000 for 10 gm each. After Mumbai, Malegaon is said to be the largest perfume center in Maharashtra.

Locally manufactured perfume is also sold in Dhule, Nashik, Yeola, Tamil Nadu, Hyderabad, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya,and  Jammu and Kashmir. The most sold varieties cost Rs 30 to Rs 100 per bottle. Every Friday, bottles of perfume are sold outside mosques for Rs 5-10 during Ramzan.

The sale of perfume doubles during Ramzan. The markets here are bustling all night—people buy naan, dates, and also put bottles of perfume in their bags. Men and women, all are fond of perfume. People from Nashik district especially come to Malegaon, because there is something special about the fragrance here. Some businessmen have created their own brands—perfumes named after actors and celebrities are a hit among the youth. Lakhs of rupees are earned, and this business provides employment to many families.

Khijeel Ahmed (S.A. Attarwala) sitting at his shop says, “Ramzan feels incomplete without perfume. Hindu brothers also come here, take bottles of perfume. People living outside Malegaon say, ‘Bring Malegaon perfume, it is a different pleasure.’ At least two lakh bottles have been sold so far this Ramzan—the fragrance fills everyone’s heart.” His words reflected the sweetness of Malegaon, which also makes the Hindu-Muslim brotherhood fragrant.

The specialty of Malegaon is not only its Muslim population, but also the mutual love here. Perfume is not just a business here—it is a tradition that unites everyone. Hindu brothers also buy it, and Muslims offer namaz after applying it. In Ramzan, this small bottle tells a big story of shared heritage—full of fragrance, love and colour.

Laila Majnu Pulao is the latest Ramzan-Eid trend in Mumbai

Mohammed Ali Road of Mumbai with its narrow lanes, Minara Masjid area, and the surrounding streets become a paradise for foodies during Ramzan. For years, the aroma of biryani, kebabs, and nihari has filled the streets during the holy month.

However, this time 'Laila-Majnu Pulao' has stolen the show in the food market.

Mohammed Ali Road is a major hub of Mumbai's Muslim population, and during Ramzan, its vibrancy is something to fall for. As the sun sets, the streets come alive with the fragrance of sheer khurma from the halwai shops, smoke from the kebab ovens, and steam from the biryani pots. Here, Ramadan is not just a month of worship—it is a celebration of the shared culture of food, where Hindus and Muslims all enjoy together.

'Laila-Majnu Pulao' conjures up romantic imagery and it is the pride of Afghani food.

It is made from aromatic basmati rice, saffron, and dry fruits like cashews, almonds, pistachios, manuka. Afghani spices make it light but royal – different from biryani and yet delicious. If served with spicy meat pieces, it is a blast of flavour in the mouth.

Masha Allah Hotel added Laila Majnu biryani to its menu for the first time, and it was lapped up by the foodies. ‘Laila-Majnu Pulao’ if offered in combination with ‘Alfam Tandoori.’

The hotel chef says that this Afghani flavour is close to the tastes of  Mumbaikars. Biryani, Nihari, and Haleem are always available during Ramzan, but this time this new Pulao has become popular among everyone.

Mashallah Hotel owner Abdul Rehman says, “Many couples come and want to eat food together. So, I made this pulao for them and named it ‘Laila-Majnu’. Eating during Ramzan is also about love. Seeing the people in love, we are tempted to do more experiments.”

Shubhangi Shinde, a food lover, says, “I wanted to try something new during Ramzan. ‘Laila-Majnu Pulao’ is amazing—dry fruits and Afghani spices make it special. The fun doubles with Alfam Tandoori!”

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