EID Shopping

Cont...

Ramadan, the month of unprecedented shopping

With the Muslim holy month of Ramadan entering its final phase, Eid shopping has reached its peak in Hyderabad, a city of nawabs, palaces, pearls and tasty biryani.

While Hyderabad is known more for its rapid strides in IT in recent years, its traditional lifestyle steeped in Muslim culture is still strong, giving the city a unique distinction of being a fine blend of tradition and modernity.

As one crosses the Musi river to enter the Old City, 'azan' or call of the muezzin for prayers from the historic Makkah Masjid and dozens of other mosques and the sight of the faithful with skullcaps rejuvenate one's belief.

Veiled Muslim women busy in shopping at hundreds of glittering shops, hundreds of vendors selling everything from needle to garments, bangles to cosmetics and fruits to lip-smacking dishes, the aroma of Ramadan special 'haleem' (a special dish), the recitation of the holy Quran, 'naat' (hymns) and 'qawwalis' (Sufi songs) being played on music systems all take one to a different world.

Muslims constitute 40 percent of the city's four million population. They are an overwhelming majority in the Old City. What sets this city and its Muslim population apart is the legacy of nearly four centuries of Muslim rule, domination of a Muslim political party, a sizeable diaspora, mostly in the Gulf, and the relatively better economic and educational status compared to their counterparts in other states.

Laad Bazaar, the centuries-old world famous market of bangles and bridal wear, Patthargatti, the hub of pearls and jewellery shops and perfumes, Patel market, the biggest cloth market, Madina circle, famous for readymade garments and shoes and food joints, all remain open throughout the night during Ramadan.

It is estimated that the traders do a business of Rs.5-7 billion during the holy month. It includes imported dates for breaking fast, fruits, vermicelli and dry fruit for Eid.

Dates, for instance, are imported from Iran, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries for the season. The sale of fruits goes up several times. So does the demand for 'attar' or perfumes.

regards

sk😳