The month of Ramzan (or Ramadaan) is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar. For Muslims all over the world, it is a holy month marked by prayers, alms-giving and fasting from dawn till sunset. This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Everyday during this month, the fast is broken with a meal known as Iftar, after the evening prayers. During this time, the streets come alive in many areas of Bangalore. Take a walk down places like Mosque Road or Shivajinagar and one will be treated to a gastronomic delight. The streets are well lit and the aroma of smoked meat and piping hot onion samosas beckon us to a mouth watering experience.
The variety is extensive and I was spoilt for choice. From Haleems to Sheekh Kebabs, and of course, Biriyani, there is so much more than the heart could desire. The lure of each eatery, be it a big restaurant, or even a small tuck shop outside the Hajee Sir Ismail Sait Mosque, is enchanting; and the mad rush to be the first to be served just adds to all the excitement. The small shops however, do draw bigger crowds, since the food there is much cheaper, but with no dearth of flavour. Every shop is brightly lit and their menu proudly displayed. The evening breeze too plays its part, filling the street with divine smells of truly exquisite food.
Many people come here everyday during the month of Ramzan. Muslims, after their evening prayers, stop to chat with friends and relatives over chai and samosas, and also to take home some of the delicacies for the Iftar, while others come there just to pamper their senses with all that Mosque Road has to offer. Syed Umer, the owner of a shop said, as he prepared a parcel for an eager customer, "Not just Muslims, people from all faiths gather here every evening during Ramzan, sometimes all our items are sold within a matter of three hours."
Although the food is simple, the ambiance of the lit up streets and the warmth of the people make it a wonderfully rich experience, true to the spirit of Ramzan.
Some of the delicacies available at Mosque Road.
Photo By Reo Raymond
Derek Francis
(12 COM 6506)
29/07/2012
Everyday during this month, the fast is broken with a meal known as Iftar, after the evening prayers. During this time, the streets come alive in many areas of Bangalore. Take a walk down places like Mosque Road or Shivajinagar and one will be treated to a gastronomic delight. The streets are well lit and the aroma of smoked meat and piping hot onion samosas beckon us to a mouth watering experience.
The variety is extensive and I was spoilt for choice. From Haleems to Sheekh Kebabs, and of course, Biriyani, there is so much more than the heart could desire. The lure of each eatery, be it a big restaurant, or even a small tuck shop outside the Hajee Sir Ismail Sait Mosque, is enchanting; and the mad rush to be the first to be served just adds to all the excitement. The small shops however, do draw bigger crowds, since the food there is much cheaper, but with no dearth of flavour. Every shop is brightly lit and their menu proudly displayed. The evening breeze too plays its part, filling the street with divine smells of truly exquisite food.
Many people come here everyday during the month of Ramzan. Muslims, after their evening prayers, stop to chat with friends and relatives over chai and samosas, and also to take home some of the delicacies for the Iftar, while others come there just to pamper their senses with all that Mosque Road has to offer. Syed Umer, the owner of a shop said, as he prepared a parcel for an eager customer, "Not just Muslims, people from all faiths gather here every evening during Ramzan, sometimes all our items are sold within a matter of three hours."
Although the food is simple, the ambiance of the lit up streets and the warmth of the people make it a wonderfully rich experience, true to the spirit of Ramzan.
Some of the delicacies available at Mosque Road.
Photo By Reo Raymond
Derek Francis
(12 COM 6506)
29/07/2012
Who is Reo Raymond? Enjoyed the piece -- except for the spelling of ambience!
ReplyDeleteReo Raymond is a friend of mine Ma'am, not a professional though. He happened to have a camera on the day I visited Mosque Road.
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