Muslims in Hyderabad are excited as the holy month of Ramzan has begun. The crescent moon marking the start of Ramzan was sighted in different parts of the country, announced by the moon sighting committee, ‘MarkaziRuet-e-Hilal Committee’.
People in the city are making arrangements to celebrate the 30-day Ramzan month with joy. Mosques across the state have special arrangements, markets are busy, and restaurants are ready to serve the famous Hyderabad delicacy Haleem.
During Ramzan, worshippers gather at mosques for prayers till midnight, have a pre-dawn meal (Seher), and wake up early for morning prayers. Fasting is observed from dawn to dusk during the holy month, which is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar and considered the holiest month in Islam.
Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and engaging in sexual relations during the fast. Streets in the Old City and other Muslim-majority areas were bustling with people attending ‘Namaz-e-Taraweeh’ prayers at mosques to mark the beginning of Ramzan.
Special arrangements this year include air coolers in most mosques due to the hot March weather. Mosques are also decorated with lights and tents for shade. Markets were crowded with people buying dates for the holy month, with over 10 tonnes arriving from foreign countries like the Middle East.
Traders near Charminar have stocked up merchandise for setting up stalls along the stretch between Pathergatti and Shahalibanda, transforming it into a lively Night Bazaar during Ramzan.
