This was my first time celebrating Ramzan, also known as Ramadan, as I have never lived in a place with a substantial Muslim population. As I was in Hyderabad, a city that has a rich cultural and religious heritage, the month of Ramzan is a special time in the city, celebrated with much fervor and enthusiasm. During this holy month, the streets and markets of Hyderabad come alive with the sights and sounds of the season.
Ramzan is a month of fasting and spiritual reflection observed by Muslims worldwide. This holy month is a time of self-reflection, prayer, and community, and is considered one of the most important times of the year for those who practice Islam. It begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, which marks the start of the fasting period.
Fasting as a Form of Worship
During Ramzan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise until sunset each day. This fasting is a form of worship and is seen as a way to purify the body and soul, as well as a means of showing solidarity with those who are less fortunate and struggle with hunger and poverty on a daily basis. Muslims also increase their charitable giving during this time, as the act of giving is believed to bring blessings and rewards both in this life and the hereafter.
Muslims also increase their charitable giving during this time known as Zakat, as the act of giving is believed to bring blessings and rewards both in this life and the hereafter. Giving Zakat takes on added significance due to the emphasis on generosity and compassion during this holy month. The amount of Zakat is typically a fixed percentage (usually 2.5%) of a person’s eligible wealth, such as savings, investments, and assets, after accounting for essentials like basic needs and debts.
The fast is started with a meal called Sehri. Sehri is the pre-dawn meal Muslims have before fasting begins at sunrise. This meal is consumed before the Fajr prayer and marks the beginning of the fasting day. Sehri is a time of spiritual preparation and nourishment, providing energy to sustain throughout the day without food or drink.
In the evening, the fast is broken with a meal called Iftar. It’s a time of celebration and gratitude. Muslims start with dates and water, followed by a larger meal. It’s also a time for prayer, reflection, and coming together with family and community.
Embracing the Festive Spirit at Night Bazaar
One of the most iconic aspects of Ramzan in Hyderabad is the night bazaar, which opens up in the old city area. The bazaar comes to life after sunset, and the narrow streets are filled with vendors selling everything from clothes and jewelry to street food and sweets. The air is filled with the aroma of kebabs, haleem – a slow-cooked stew made with meat, wheat, and lentils -, and biryani, and the streets are packed with people enjoying the festivities.
After a day of fasting, the sense of closeness and community is strong as families and friends get together to share the evening meal. A joyful atmosphere is produced by talks, laughter, and the clinking of cutlery. The nights of Ramadan are a sensory assault, combining tradition, religion, and celebration. It’s a time when the city’s diverse cultural heritage is prominently shown, enabling everyone to take part in the season’s collective joy.
Another hallmark of Ramzan in Hyderabad is the special prayers offered in mosques throughout the city. The Taraweeh prayer is a special prayer offered every night during the month of Ramzan, and it is a time when Muslims come together in the congregation to recite the Quran and offer supplications. Supplications address encouraging introspection and compassion. These private prayers, which are frequently performed in mosques during Taraweeh, ask for mercy, direction, and blessings. They are real and intimate, showing the reliance and humbling of believers.
In addition to the night bazaar and special prayers, Hyderabad is also known for its unique iftar dishes. Haleem is a staple of iftar in Hyderabad, and many restaurants and street vendors serve up this hearty dish during the month of Ramzan. Other popular iftar dishes include samosas, dahi vada, pakoras, and dates.
Places to Visit in Hyderabad during Ramzan
- Charminar: Charminar is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hyderabad and is especially beautiful during Ramzan. The area around Charminar comes alive during the month of Ramzan, with street vendors selling traditional iftar delicacies and the air filled with the aroma of kebabs and haleem.
- Mecca Masjid: Mecca Masjid is one of the largest and oldest mosques in India and is located near Charminar. The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths, and during Ramzan, it is a popular spot for Taraweeh prayers and iftar.
- Laad Bazaar: Laad Bazaar is a popular market located near Charminar, known for its beautiful bangles and traditional clothing. During Ramzan, the market comes alive with street vendors selling everything from jewelry to food.
- Ramzan Night Bazaar: The Ramzan Night Bazaar in the old city is a must-visit during the month of Ramzan. The bazaar is open from sunset to late night and is filled with vendors selling traditional iftar dishes, sweets, and snacks.
- Pista House: Pista House is a popular eatery in Hyderabad, known for its delicious haleem. During Ramzan, the restaurant is crowded with customers looking to break their fast with a hot bowl of haleem.
- Naayab: They have a special sehri menu for the Ramzan season, available from 1 am to 5 am for the next 30 days. The menu features a variety of dishes including ‘achari’ mutton/chicken, Nayaab special chicken, ‘khichdi,’ and ‘dum ka keema’ among others, catering to the fasting crowd with delicious options.
The month of Ramzan is a time of reflection, devotion, and celebration. It is a time when the city comes together to observe a month of fasting, prayer, and community. Whether it’s the bustling night bazaars, the special prayers offered in mosques, or the delicious iftar dishes, Ramzan in Hyderabad is a truly unique and special experience.
