Hyderabad, August 06: Ramzan, the holy month of the Islamic calender, intends to foster patience, spirituality and humility, but the city has a unique way of instilling values in all. It is in the month of Ramzan that the true cosmopolitan and compassionate nature of Hyderabadis shines through as drastic changes in culture and lifestyle seep in. And more than anything, the youngsters in the city are enjoying a unique and exclusive night life.
“The thing I enjoy the most about Ramzan, apart from the delicious food, is that everything is open late at night,” says Kunal Wadhwa, a 19-year-old mass communications student, who likens Ramzan to a “one month long Diwali”.
Restaurants, shops and other outlets in the city get special permission for the month to stay open till 12.30 am against the usual curfew of 11 pm. During Ramzan, the Old City has a completely different charm. While Macca Masjid looks like an enchanting palace; Charminar, Chudi Bazaar and other shopping areas bustle with activity all night. Kunal’s brother Karan says, “Parents are also more lenient with our deadlines. We just tell them that we will be back after Sehri.”
Sehri, the first meal, is usually eaten at around 4.30 am. Iftar is the meal with which people break the daylong fast at around 7 pm. “Since we are resting through the day, we are out all night. This is when the Iftar parties and get togethers take place. Besides families, we also end up spending a lot of time with our friends at night,” says 24-year-old working professional Farhan Ali Khan.
“The best thing about Hyderabad is that all the communities share each others’ festivals. So when you hang out with a group of friends, even people from other communities end up fasting,” says Aishan Vali, a 20-year-old rapper.
“We don’t feel like eating in front of our friends who are fasting.” Aditya Biradar jokes, “Moreover, they tell us ‘Dude, I will kill you if you eat in front of us’.” Meanwhile, parents, who are relaxing the curfews for their children, are out there enjoying the Ramzan night life too. Jaya Baheti, a contemporary artist and a mother of twin boys, says, “Shopping at night is an out-of-the-world experience. Laad Bazaar is stunning during Ramzan and it is nice to see the Marwadi community keeping their shops open all night.”
Asked if she felt the streets were safe for her children to be out at night during Ramzan, she says, “The streets are full of activity. Families are out shopping or getting something to eat, so it is comparatively safer.” Jasper Dawson, a father of three, just says he has “no hang ups” when it comes to his children being out late in the night.
–Agencies