Hyderabad: It’s that time of the year, when the Muslim community is filled with an atmosphere of festivity. It’s that time of the year, when the fasting period is over. It’s that time, when there’s free flow of a gastronomical riot laid on tables at their sinfully gorgeous best. It’s that time of the year, when the Muslims indulge in fanfare, celebrations and rich dry fruid laden food.
Yes, it’s Eid and in the South, which better place to set standards than Hyderabad, the hub of the Muslim community in southern India. Near the Charminar, you turn around, and all you see is a sea of people; people bargaining, buying stuff, nibbling on delicacies sold on the streets at dirt cheap rates, laughing, hugging and sending out silent prayers. On the streets, you can just spot young men sporting their crisp white kurtas, teamed up with nice jackets, looking forward to the celebrations laid out for them at their homes.
The streets looked like a new bride — shimmering with lights. There are people everywhere, wishing each other. There is a sense of brotherhood, of love and of being one. People wish each other, without enquiring about their religion. The air is pregnant with aromas, of food and scents. New clothes, lots of food and new beginnings – Hyderabad looks beautiful.
Not to forget the little make-shift Haleem shops that mushroomed out of nowhere to cater to the tastebuds of the Hyderabadis in the moth of Ramzan. They form the essence of the celebrations. Once they arrive, you can bet on your life that the celebrations are just around the corner. The dates: yellow, brown, dried; they hallmark the celebrations. Dry fruits fly out of the shop shelves like hot cakes.
Srikanth Sanapala, a Hyderabai says, “I’ve been invited by one of my friends to his house for a feast. Given what I experienced last time at his house, I just can’t wait to dig into the delicacies that his mom would have prepared. It was so good, that I even packed some for my roommates!†Giridhar Kale, another Hyderabadi says, “I just go out to the streets leading to the Charminar. The atmosphere is unbelievable. There’s so much of love and good wishes floating around in the air, that you can’t help but feel that not everything around is all that bad.â€
No wonder, when one section of the society indulges itself in celebrations, the rest of them can’t really stop themselves from joining. That is the power of festivals. And Hyderabad, being the melting pot of relationships existing in harmony, stands as the epitome of people going “Eid Mubarak†irrespective of their caste, creed or colour.Â