The religious fervour and gaiety of the holy month of Ramzan reached its peak in Hyderabad on Friday as Muslims observed Jummatul Vida or the last Friday of the holy month.
All the mosques, specially the historic Mecca Masjid, were packed with worshippers since last night, which was observed as “lailatul Qadr” or night of power.
A bigger Friday congregation was witnessed at more than four centuries old grand mosque, the Mecca Masjid, as the rows of worshippers spilled out of the courtyard. All the roads around the mosque and the historic monument Charminar were packed with thousands of Namazis despite the continuous drizzle.
Both the lailatul Qadr and the last Friday mark the high point of the month of fasting which will end with the sighting of new moon on Sunday or Monday evening and celebration of Eidul Fitr.
Eid shopping frenzy has already gripped the city for the last ten days as all the bazars were packed with customers purchasing apparel, footwear, bangles, jewellery and perfumes for the big day.
As per the tradition of the city of Nawab’s, the stretch from Madina circle to Charminar and beyond has turned into a sea of humanity. As every inch of available space turned into shopping arena, the colourful lights has turned the nights into days.
As the special prayers continue till late in the night, the Hyderabadi families venture out for Eid shopping around midnight and it continues till the wee hours or end with Sheri or the pre dawn meal marking the start of the fast.