The Hub of Festivity

This was published sometime before Ramzan in The Hans India - A reputed daily in Telangana

The allure of Hyderabad, which is known for its magnificent and opulent Nizami legacy of 400 years, is that it flawlessly merges the ancient and the modern. The monolithic structures blend in fabulously against the thriving city skyline. 

The spectacle at charminar is all the more palpitating with the heavy bustle of business during nights. Lit up with numerous incandescent lights, the region is decked up like a bride. The shops are at their thriving best. 

Whether its roadside hawkers selling fruits or mouthwatering delicacies, or shops displaying embroidery of intricate patterns or vendors offering you shimmering shades of bangles or shops decked up with jodhpuri or Kolapuri sandals, a royalty that goes well with your embroidered kurtas…there’s an old world charm that wraps you up in an embrace of coziness and exquisiteness.

The area woos the avid shopper with an array of stimulating home décor. The décor to deck up the house in style here is unmatched. You can bring home a colourful carpet that resembles the exquisite carpets of Turkey, or a traditional diwan set akin to the patterns of the Moghul Empire or gorgeous curtains that hold the appeal of the Nizami era in their folds…the richness of this place couldn’t be compared with places anywhere else. 

The entire stretch leading to the four minarets is greeted by jutting balconies and shops on either side of the ancient road. With canopies protruding onto either side of road, the area is no less than a mini-Baghdad.  Clads in typical Kurthas offering you scents filled in coloured bottles. The vials of multihued, crystal contours are as engrossing as the perfume they hold within their confines. What’s more, the most gripping aspect of shopping here is that the prices are decent and products, often, remarkable.

After the hectic shopping you may feel like titillating your palates with Hyderabadi delicacies? No problem, there are countless Biryani joints around the region. Shadab Hotel, which is a stone’s throw from Charminar, is a good spot for visitors whose appetite is driven to tickle their taste buds with the rich Hyderabadi biryani. The season’s apt to send one’s taste buds on a delicious tour with the world-renowned Hyderabadi Haleem. 

Haleem, a hot favourite of every Hyderabadi, is not merely restricted to the vicinity of Charminar but spread across the state. Its rich flavour and tantalizing aroma is enough to make one’s mouth water. But some of the joints at Charminar area offer special Haleems that come with a boiled egg, cinnamons, cashews, almonds and the works. Pista House and Shah Ghouse, which are close by, are an excellent choice to refresh oneself with a hot bowl of Haleem.

Unfortunately, it’s only during this Ramzan season, that you find Haleem at every nook and corner. Frankly, Charminar area is one place that retains its age-old rustic charm while lending flavour to a new-age living. That's why it holds a special spot in the hearts Hyderabadis during Ramzan.