As the holy month of Ramzan has started, the narrow lanes from the capitals` walled city to Mumbai`s Mohammad Ali Road has started witnessing flurry of activities and buzz. The sale in markets all over the country has already picking up. While it is the early days of Ramzan, the weather is good and nice in both the metro cities . Worshippers are pouring into Jama Masjid to offer their thanks for all that they are blessed with. While your eyes stray to the platters of phirni, your nose follows the aroma of fritters frying around the corner. Outside this tug of war, the ears alert you to the noise.
In Mumbai,Mustaq Bhai on Mohammad Ali Road is sitting in his shop Haji Sweets. He can barely keep up with the crowds gathering at his shop as he packs pakodas for them. "The mood is electric and people are coming to buy sweets. He is personally supervises operations at his shop during Ramzan. It`s all about quality check. "After an entire day of fasting, the devout don`t deserve substandard food. This time of the year, I make sure only the best goes out of my shop," he says.
In this year`s festivities, however, some things will be different. Usually, this walled city market stays buzzing and brightly lit even at 3 am as people prepare for the Sehri (pre-sunrise meal). This year, the rains have made decorative lighting too risky. Kallan Sweets is usually open 24 hours during Ramzan, but labour shortage has meant they`ll shut shop around midnight. Despite that, sales have nearly doubled.
"During Ramzan we keep Pheeki Jalebi, Paneer Jalebi, keema samosa, feni, khazla etc.," says Mohammad Shaan. Ask him if it`s difficult to fast with such delicacies all around him, and he jokes - "Look at my face, don`t I look morose?" adding on a more serious note, "Our dedication and devotion keep us going."
Journalist Maqsood Ahmed is returning back to his place after hard day in office. Says Ahmed,” handling kids on an empty stomach is never easy and it`s only the first day; her head hurts. "I`m looking forward to the evening. I won`t come to the Masjid but will break my fast at home with my family," he says. .
At Hazi Hotel just outside Jama Masjid,like every day, the poor squat outside receiving rotis and gravy. A hard core Congress worker and owner Hazji Mian insisting that those seeking alms come in a queue. The entire point of the fast is to make a person realize what a poor, hungry person goes through. It teaches humility. We feed the poor all year round, but during Ramzan, others too come forward to feed people here.
In this Ramzan, some things will be different in Delhi. Usually, this walled city market stays buzzing and brightly lit even at 3 am as people prepare for the Sehri . This year, the rains have made decorativelighting too risky. Meanwhile, the mood is great and festive. An ex-IAS officer Zafar Iqbal says that you can not enjoy Ramzan more than any other place thanin Mumbai. " I always look forward to be in Mumbai during Ramzan," Zafar Iqbal says.
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