Hyderabad: After a month of fasting during Ramzan, people in Hyderabad began preparing for Eid-ul-Fitr on Sunday. The night before Eid, known as ‘Chand Raat’, is one of the most exciting times in the city. Streets and markets, especially in the Old City, come alive with colorful lights and bustling crowds as people enjoy shopping late into the night.
As soon as the first siren was heard from the mosques, Muslims broke their final fast of Ramzan. A second siren marked the arrival of the Eid moon. People shared “Chand Mubarak” greetings with each other and flooded social media with messages celebrating the occasion.
Eid is seen as a gift from God after the month of fasting. On Chand Raat, people rush to markets for last-minute shopping. The shopping continues late into the night, sometimes until the early morning prayer at Fajr.
Markets across the city were packed with shoppers, and traffic jams were seen in many areas, as families came out in large numbers. There was excitement everywhere, with traders happy to see such crowds.
Women and girls especially look forward to Chand Raat. They shop for bangles, jewelry, shoes, and mehendi (henna). “Last-minute shopping is important for final touches like matching bangles, jewelry, and shoes,” said Mariya Kulsum, a college student.
Chand Raat is not just about shopping — it’s also about enjoying the festive atmosphere. Markets offer good discounts and special offers, and people are eager to find the best items. The Lad Bazaar near Charminar is especially popular with women looking for bangles and accessories. “I came all the way from Alwal to enjoy the festive mood here,” said Kethura Harshada.
Major shopping areas like Charminar, Abids, Nampally, Tolichowki, and Mallepally were crowded and faced heavy traffic. Still, the joy of celebrating Eid kept spirits high.
At home, women were also busy preparing traditional Eid sweets. Dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and pistachios were soaked and fried to be used as toppings for sheer khurma, a traditional Eid dessert.
Meanwhile, the Telangana State Wakf Board, along with other government departments, made arrangements for the Eid prayers. Special Eidgahs like Mir Alam, Madannapet, Masab Tank, Qutub Shahi Tombs, and others were prepared for the large congregational prayers. Historic mosques like Mecca Masjid and Jama Masjid Musheerabad were also getting ready to welcome worshippers.
