Hyderabad's old city comes alive as Ramadan begins
Hyderabad, June 19: The old city of Hyderabad came alive and a festive atmosphere prevailed in other Muslim majority neighbourhoods in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh as the holy month of Ramadan began on Friday. The activity began on Thursday night with the devout offering 'namaz-e-taraweeh' or special prayers at mosques. Huffaz (those who memorise holy Quran) led the prayers. The fast began on Friday with 'sahr' or pre-dawn meals. Sirens blared from mosques to wake up people and again at 4.10 a.m. to mark the beginning of the fast. This year in Hyderabad and surrounding districts, it will be nearly a 15-hour long fast as the 'Iftar' (breaking of fast) time is 6.58 p.m. The historic Mecca Masjid near Charminar, Shahi Masjid Public Gardens, Jamia Masjid Chowk, Masjid-e-Alia Gun Foundry, Azizia Masjid and other mosques witnessed huge congregations. Special arrangements were made at some mosques and function halls for women to offer prayers. At some function halls, the prayers were held late for the convenience of traders. Shopping of groceries and other items for the month continued till late Monday night. Many families prefer to do their shopping for 'Eid' before the holy month to avoid rush and spend as much time as possible in prayers. Truck loads of dates and fruits are sold every day. The old city never sleeps during the month as shopping continues till the early hours of the day. Like every year, the government has made special arrangements for Ramadan to ensure uninterrupted electricity and water supply and provide other civic amenities. Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mahmood Ali said the government has sanctioned Rs.5 crore for Ramadan arrangements. A festive atmosphere also prevailed in Muslim neighbourhoods in Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Adilabad, Mahabubnagar and other towns in Telangana. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in his message said that the fasting during Ramadan not only purifies the soul but also has immense health benefits. His Telangana counterpart K. Chandrasekhar Rao in his message greeted Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan. He wished for prosperity and development of the community.
