With just three days left for the month of Ramzan to begin, a spiritual ambience is enfolding the city, even as the air is thick with mouth-watering aroma. There is plenty in store for Hyderabadi s to cater to their soul and taste buds.
Big traders, as also petty hawkers, are looking to make an extra buck, while the devout are getting ready to gather as many virtues as possible.
Of course, all eyes are on the dish of the month. Though there is no connection between the month of fasting and Haleem, the two sizzle in tandem. Most hotels are busy readying huge earthen ovens where Haleem is prepared.
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Even the GHMC seems to be taking interest in the aromatic dish this season. On Thursday, it convened a meeting of the hoteliers and insisted on strict adherence to hygiene, sanitation and quality. Of course, the civic body plans to give away the best Haleem-maker award at the end of the month.
The million dollar question: what would be the going rate for Haleem this time around? Big hoteliers are keeping the price a closely guarded secret. “Our Haleem will be priced between Rs.120 and Rs.130. We will announce it soon,” says M.A. Majeed, a prominent Haleem-maker. Other big names are expected to peg the price in the range.
Even food courts are coming out in a big way to offer Haleem this time. As Ramzan draws near, Pathergatti, Old City’s commercial hub, is witnessing increased rush.
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Many families are shopping in advance to get the early bird offer as also to avoid the later rush. Mecca Masjid and the Shahi Masjid at Public Gardens have already got a fresh coat of paint, while many local mosques are being spruced up.