India is the land of festivals. Festivals of all faiths are celebrated in all pomp and show. Ramadan or Ramazan (the ninth month of the Islamic calendar) is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, remembrance, and community. Ramadan is perhaps the biggest and most significant Muslim festival. Fast is observed between Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (post-sunset meal).
Ramadan 2020 began on the evening of Thursday, 23 April, and ends in the evening of Saturday, 23 May. Mode of celebration includes Community iftars and Community prayers. Special bazaars and roadside stalls are set up where everyone can get to taste the delicious treats.
India celebrates Ramadan on a resplendent level. One can witness markets full of people shopping for Iftar and Sehri. The festival is celebrated all across the country. Here are the top places you must visit to enjoy the festival to the fullest.
DELHI
In Delhi, the major of attraction is the grandiose, magnificently built Jama masjid. Also known as “Masjid e Jahan Numa” It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1650 and 1656 The mosque is lit up during Ramadan and changes the overall view of the monument impeccably. one must attend an iftar in the mosque as it is an amazing experience. Kareem’s, Al Jawahar, Aslam butter chicken are some of the best places to eat. Nizamuddin is another great pick for places to visit in Delhi during Ramadan.
SRINAGAR
The scenic beauty and pristine dal lake engulf the mind when one thinks of Srinagar. Srinagar is tourist heaven in its own right, but the month of Ramadan takes the vibe of this beautiful city to all together next level. To all the food maniacs, the Hazratmahal shrine is your first stop. One can expect all sorts of delicacies but they taste different when you are surrounded by nature in its most beautiful form. People from all over gather at Eidgah, which is a historic mosque to offer prayers and celebrate the festival with family and loved ones. One can also visit Lal Chowk, which is a famous bazaar where your shopping cravings will be put to rest.
MUMBAI
The famous Minara Masjid is decorated with lights to get the atmosphere for the festival in order. On a Ramadan night, Mohammad Ali road under the J. J. Flyover is a heaven for foodies. Among the food, joints to try is Nawab Bhai Kebabwala in Jogeshwari which offers charcoal-grilled kebabs. In addition, one must also visit Barah Handi in Kalbadevi. On the day of Eid, people gather at Azad Maidan to offer prayers. other famous mosques located in the city like Juma Masjid where you find people coming in to offer prayers.
HYDERABAD
Without a hint of doubt, the month of Ramadan is the perfect time to schedule a trip to Hyderabad. Haleem, a delicacy made only during the month of Ramadan, is a must-try. people from all faiths throng to the restaurant joints for this delicacy for iftar after the fasting ends at sunset. lanes around Charminar are lit with beautiful lights and decoration, people flock from all over the city to celebrate and enjoy. Another option for the haleem binger is Shah Ghouse, located in Tolichowki. The creamy lentil and meat stew is a specialty in Hyderabad during Ramadan. There are many famous mosques that are located in different places in Hyderabad like Masab Tank, Secunderabad, and Golconda.
LUCKNOW
Lucknow, the city of nawabs is a top destination to visit anytime during the year and especially around Ramadan. Akbari Gate and the AishBagh Idgah are hotspots for food lovers where one can find shops that remain open from sunset to sunrise. Jama masjid Lucknow, built with “Lakhauri” bricks and decorated with colored stucco motifs highlights all essential characteristics of Indo Islamic architecture. Idris ki Biryani, Tunday Kababi, and Raheem’s are must-try delicacies.
KOLKATA
The former British capital is a melting pot of cultures with unique cuisine and amalgamation of varied cultures. People from Kolkata boast about the Kheeri Kebab and hence it is a must-try. One can try biryani, Mutton Chaap, and various mutton stews. The biryani here is different, as it comes with eggs and potatoes which only adds to the flavor .“Bengali sweets” like mishti doi, rosogolla are indispensable after a few spicy delicacies. One can also look for food shops at Bow Bazaar and Zakaria Street where most people are to be found.
