Ramadan in Hyderabad is brought alive in a unique manner you will not find anywhere else. As the holy month starts, the old city gets completely transformed. The streets, which were deserted in the daytime, become abuzz after sunset. The scent of kebabs being cooked and haleem being freshly prepared fills the air around Charminar and Mecca Masjid.
Ramadan for Hyderabadis is about rushing home before sunset to break fast with family. It is about standing shoulder-to-shoulder for special night prayers called taraweeh. It is about neighbors swapping homemade sweets and dishes.
Food stalls seem to be around every corner, selling everything from dates to rich biryani. The much-loved haleem – slow-cooked meat stew that requires hours of cooking – is the city's favourite meal.
But beyond the food and celebrations, Ramadan in Hyderabad is all about spirituality and social bonding. It's when this city shows its real spirit – open, generous, and intensely religious.
Ramadan in Hyderabad is a climate that revives the city as far as spiritual passion, cultural festivities, and communal harmony are concerned. The blending of tested traditions and modern practice throughout the holy month is a new experience that is enriching and memorable.