Charminar in the Time of Ramzan

As the sun sets in Hyderabad, the Old City begins to wear a different look.  Against the background of the majestic Charminar, sirens resonate announcing the sighting of the Moon, the arrival of the holy month of Ramzan, a time for self- purification, devotion and penance; a time to observe the month-long fast (Roza) in anticipation of the New Year and Id-Ul-Fitr. The siren also announces the breaking of the fast with the commencement of Iftar and the Azan for the special Taraweeh Namaz. 

In this holy month, the streets of the iconicCharminar are all decked up. The much talked about Lad Bazaar is like a labyrinth - heavily crowded with the burkha-clad Muslim women, chic college girls and the blushing Lambadinis dressed in their traditional finery. The street echoes with the calls of pavement vendors selling everything from bangles and hair-pins to trousers and caps.  

Bargaining at the stores is a normal practice but since everyone wants a piece of the pie, it is a sellers’ market and prices are hard to get down. Though otherwise commercial establishments are to be shut down by 10 PM and eateries by 11 PM, during Ramzan, the rules are relaxed. The hustle and bustle reaches its crescendo at 2 AM when all the activity is at its peak. 

Right from the stretch of Pathergatti leading up to Barkas, Charminar and its surrounding areas are all lit up. The streets are lined up with attar sellers, chudiwalas, and of course the Haleem stalls. All the restaurants on the Pathergatti stretch are open every night and the street is lit up by strong halogen bulbs. 

Though Ramzan is the month of fasting and penance, once the Iftar siren is heard, the variety of food available on the streets is mind boggling. All the restaurants serve feasts fit for the kings and all grocery stores stock the most delicious of dates from Saudi Arabia. Though rare, the dates from Bateel are the most aristocratic possession during Ramzan. 

The best time to visit Charminar is a day before the Jumaat-Ul-Vida or Alvida – Jumma (last Friday of Ramzan) as everything is at its best - discounts, offers, style, lights and décor.


Contributed By..  Shree..


Source : 

Of Ramzan, Charminar and Haleem