With the sighting of the moon on Thursday, the Islamic holy month of Ramzan or month of fasting began as the pious rushed to the mosques the special prayers. Friday will be the first day of fasting.
All the mosques, especially the historic mosques Mecca Masjid and Toli Masjid were decked up for the occasion as the administration made special arrangements in view of the rush of the worshippers. Official machinery was geared up to ensure cleaning of the surroundings of major mosques twice a day and steps were also taken to ensure round-the-clock supply of water and electricity.
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mahmood Ali reviewed the arrangements made at Mecca Masjid which has the biggest courtyard in the country. A massive make shift shed was put in place to accommodate thousands of worshippers who turn up specially for Taraweeh or the late night special prayers of Ramzan. Both the Governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have granted special permission to the Muslim employees to leave their offices one hour earlier in view of the fasting.
As the month of Ramzan is also marked by the shopping and feasting, all the major markets in Hyderabad, especially around the historic Charminar, were also packed up with fresh stocks of merchandise and the shops were doing a brisk business. Carts laden with variety of fruits have appeared at every nook and corner as demand for the fruits shoot up during the month. Special variety of dates imported from the gulf countries have flooded the markets as they are used for breaking the fast.