HYDERABAD: Every year the holy month of Ramadan brings a notable change of lifestyle in the Muslim world. The thirty days of fasting for God changes the normal life completely. So much is the effect of Ramadan on daily life that no blockbuster Bollywood movie is released during Ramadan. In fact, the big banners wait for the last day of Ramadan to cash in at the box office.
In Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries, working hours are reduced from 8 to 6, facilitating workers in observing fasting and prayers. Shopping malls and restaurants open soon after sunset and continue brisk business until early dawn. Most restaurants remain closed throughout the day. Pakistani TV channels suspend daily entertainment soaps and tune to religious broadcasts. In India, Iftaar parties are common events hosted by social, political, or business organizations. Life in most Indian cities reflects the impact of Ramadan.
Mohammed Ali Road or Bhendi Bazar areas in Mumbai are abuzz as soon as the month of Ramadan sets in. Evening stalls for mutton Samosa or Pakories attract hundreds of shoppers in the area.
The life, however, has a new set of routine in Hyderabad. Hyderabad is known for overcrowded vehicular traffic. The road traffic jams are common sights in many parts of the city throughout the day or until late evening hours. However, in Ramadan you can drive easily until 3pm, as roads are not as crowded. Most people fasting prefer staying indoors until early evening hours. Come the month of Ramadan and Hyderabad’s favorite dish – Haleem – surfaces everywhere. The famous Hyderabadi Biryani is forgotten in Ramadan. It is Haleem and only Haleem everywhere.
Haleem is prepared with a combination of meat and whole grain wheat. It is considered the most nourishing food of Ramadan. It replenishes the fatigue caused by hours of fasting and remains the favorite choice for fast breaking. However, it is equally popular among non-Muslims. Non-Muslims also beeline along with fasting Muslims at Haleem stalls for this tasty food sold in Hyderabad after 4 pm. Pista House Haleem is the most popular and number one choice followed by Shah Ghouse Haleem and others.
This year, Pista House has raised the Haleem price to Rs 130 for a single dish and Rs 550 for a family pack. The Haleem is neatly packed and sold as carryout.
Most salespersons for Pista House Haleem stand across the street and take orders from passing-by vehicles. They bear the company badge and a green uniform shirt. This Indian driveway system caters to more customers in a few hours than any driveway in a US city. Pista House prepares Haleem in the month of Ramadan only and now distributes it in many countries in the Middle East and Europe.
In Chicago, Hyderabad Haleem is sold on Devon Ave by Data Darbar Restaurant and Nan O Devon restaurant. This year Hyderabad is also an attraction for visiting NRIs during Ramadan. Due to summer holidays in America, the Middle East, and Europe, most Hyderabadis are heading for a Ramadan in Hyderabad.
A longer summer fast in America is almost for 17 hours, beginning at 4:20am until 8:30pm. The same in Hyderabad begins at 4.45 am and ends at 6.50pm in the cool monsoon weather conditions. The demand is so high that it is hard to get a seat on any airline for Hyderabad until July end. According to Faizan Siddiqui, the Web Manager of Evia Travel, Hyderabad is the most sought after destination of July. While all Middle Eastern airlines are sold out from their home countries, Air India is carrying its maximum capacity for Hyderabad from New York and Chicago.
A.Q. Siddiqui
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
