As the holy month of Ramzan begins, Hyderabad is filled with devotion, festivity, and business activity. Known for its rich culture and religious heritage, the city embraces the spiritual essence of Ramzan with great enthusiasm. From the glowing lights of Charminar’s night markets to the peaceful prayers at Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad fully immerses itself in the spirit of this sacred month.
Before Ramzan starts, the city’s markets become busier than usual. In Begum Bazar, traders stock up on large quantities of dates, an important food for breaking the fast. Hyderabad imports over ten tonnes of dates daily from Middle Eastern countries to ensure there is enough supply for everyone observing the fast.
The Charminar area turns into a lively shopping hub as traders set up nearly 3,000 temporary stalls along the stretch from Shahalibanda to Madina Building. Thousands of shoppers visit these night markets to buy clothes, accessories, and festive items. Abdul Raheem, a trader from Pathergatti, says, “Shopping starts slowly but reaches its peak as Ramzan progresses, making it a crucial time for businesses.” Many families prefer to finish their festival shopping before Ramzan begins or within the first week so they can spend the rest of the month focusing on prayers and spiritual activities.
To manage the increased activity during Ramzan, the government has instructed officials to take necessary steps for a smooth experience. Departments handling electricity and water supply have been alerted to ensure uninterrupted services. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has started road repairs and sanitation drives near mosques to keep the surroundings clean for worshippers. The water board has also arranged extra water tankers to supply mosques with sufficient water.
To maintain peace and order, police officials have put in place strict security measures. This ensures that people from all communities can observe Ramzan without any trouble.
During Ramzan, mosques in Hyderabad prepare to accommodate large gatherings for prayers. At Mecca Masjid, arrangements are in full swing for the special ‘Taraweeh’ prayers, which begin on the first night of Ramzan. The mosque’s ablution tank has been cleaned, and temporary tents have been set up to manage the crowd. Abdul Qadeer Siddiqui, the superintendent of Mecca Masjid, says, “The ‘Namaz-e-Taraweeh’ will start as soon as the new moon is sighted, marking the beginning of Ramzan. Each night, three chapters of the holy Quran will be recited.” Mosque committees have carefully chosen Huffaz, individuals who have memorized the Quran, to lead these prayers.
No Ramzan in Hyderabad is complete without the famous dish—Haleem. As the month begins, special cooking setups known as Haleem bhattis are being installed near major hotels, indicating the start of the much-loved Haleem season. However, rising mutton prices have led to an increase in Haleem prices. Last year, a plate of Haleem cost between Rs 250 and Rs 300, but this year, prices have gone up to Rs 300 to Rs 350 per plate. Additionally, vendors selling chicken Haleem face uncertainty due to concerns over bird flu, leading some sellers to reconsider offering it this season.
As Hyderabad welcomes Ramzan, the city transforms into a beautiful blend of spirituality, tradition, and commerce. From bustling markets to peaceful mosques, from the aroma of Haleem to the recitation of the Quran, every part of life in Hyderabad is touched by the holiness of this month. With careful preparations and a deep sense of devotion, the city is ready to experience the joy and blessings of Ramzan once again.
