Ratna G Chotrani/Hyderabad

As the holy month of Ramazan is about to culminate in the festivities of Eid, Hyderabad by night is bustling as one can see waves of people coming in to break their fasts and shop for their hearts' content only after sundown. With Eid-ul Fitr being so close, the city is overwhelmed with festive fervor more so during the night.

The market places and streets are filled with aromas emanating from Haleem bhattis, steaming Biryanis, the barbequed kebabs, and of course the trademark Haleem. The Haleem is so popular that it’s even exported to various countries during this time of the year thanks to the ease of logistics.

In the run-up to Eid- ul- Fitr, the area around Charminar witnesses lakhs of people from different regions binging on traditional food and the shopping spree after the sunset.  

One can feel the festive mood of the city distinctly when you travel in around Charminar and the Old City. This part of the City has late nights because of the special night bazaar that continues till the wee hours of the morning. The glittering flashy bazaar comes alive with the shimmer of bangles studded with uncut crystals or the colourful glass bangles coated with gold and silver shimmer. 

Special vermiccili is ready for the shoppers to buy

Laad Bazaar is known for these glittering lacquer bangles worn during weddings and religious festivals-neither of which is in short supply in India and a reliable excuse to amass new sets. Hyderabadi women regularly refresh their collections with the latest designs especially during Ramzan when they come to match bangles with their Eid dress while tourists throng the bazaar for its lively thoroughfare the ambience and sparkly souvenirs. 

There’s plenty of finery on sale in the bazaar and the nearby markets, including antique jewelry from the era of the Nizam’s delicate crystal bottles of attar perfume; embroidered borders, or gota masalas, for traditional Hyderabadi khada dupattas, or bridal outfits. But it’s the bangles that draw most of the traffic to the bazaar, which locals often call the Choodi Bazaar or the bangle market. 

According to History, the Laad Bazaar dates back to the late 16th century. It says the Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, founder of Hyderabad, established the market for the wedding of his daughter; the tangle of bangle shops came later. Laad means lacquer: Hence the name of the market, where there are estimated hundreds of shops dedicated to bangles.

Street Food is famous during the month of Ramzan at Charminar. There are different varieties of food available at the corner such as Chicken Sticks, Mutton Chops, Kheema items, Kebabs, Chicken Samosa, Spicy fried fish, Nalli Paya with shermal, Dahi Vada, Pathar ka Gosh and many more. One can try the famous Harees at Barkas Bazaar or the Haleem at Pista House, Shah Ghouse, or the Biryani at the Shadaab at Charminar. 

Delicious Haleem is also available in Old city at some Local shops. Before you taste it kindly ask the locals because they give you the best review. Of course there is vegetarian foods also available like the Buttered Golden crispy Dosa’s and steaming hot idli’s served with a podi (powdered spices and chilly ) served with dollops of ghee. 

Even the famous Hyderabadi Mirchi Bajji (batter-fried chilly stuffed with sesame and tamarind chutney ) or the Medhu wada are common sites.

Eating out is a common practice in Hyderbabad during Ramazan

A walk through the night bazaar around Charminar is a special attraction during Ramzan. Apart from the bangles at Lad Bazaar, Patther Gatti is a shopper’s paradise where one can look for beautiful textiles, designer dresses, ethnic and casual wear, and party wear. Shopping for delightful crockery and glass ware. Many locals buy crockery during the time of the year to serve dishes to their guests during Eid.

Mehendiwalas are giving the artist’s touch to hundreds of women decking up their palms a must during festivals like Eid ul Fitr. A must-try for the visitors to get their hands soaked in the colour of henna.

After hours of walking and shopping it will surely leave you tired and what best to relieve the stress is the hot piping Irani chai. Nimrah or Paradise in Hyderabad allows you to savour the view of Charminar while sipping the hot cuppa.

The bengals of Laad Bazar

Nimrah Café and Bakery has been serving Irani chai for five decades with different variety of biscuits and cookies to divert your attention from the tiring walk. Sipping Chai is a significant part of Old Hyderabad. 

Ramzan shopping remains incomplete if one does not pick up the famed Ittar in its shopping list Popular ittars like Jannat E Firdous, Khus, Ruhe Gulab and Anam are famous for their enchanting fragrance. 

Since Ramzan Night market in Hyderabad is open till the wee hours of the morning one can end their shopping heist on sweet delicacies. Shops are selling the golden brown Seevaiyyan and also there are shops where one can indulge in sweet delicacies like the Sheer Qorma and Double ka meetha or the Kaddu ki kheer. The typical Hyderabadi flavor can be felt at Charminar which is a must-visit during Ramzan.

Also Read: Taj Qureshi is inalienable part of Ramazan in Mumbai's Dongri

Apart from the nightlife at Charminar, the city comes alive with Muslim families throwing Iftaar parties during Ramzan. The city radiates with life after the sun goes down and the families roam the streets to buy groceries and mingle with neighbors during Iftaar.