Bilal Handoo

SRINAGAR

representational Pic by Bilal Bahadur.
representational Pic by Bilal Bahadur.

This Ramazan is not going to be the same again. The govt’s cultural ministry is gearing up to host a major food carnival besides throwing night market open to celebrate the 30-day fasting period.

An official working in culture department said the step has been taken to “present Ramazan as the celebratory period than a perceived punished phase”.

The idea being executed in Kashmir was inspired from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan where people reportedly don’t sleep between Ishah (night) and Fajr (morning). During that period, all business establishments remain open there. “On the similar lines,” the official said, “the markets will be thrown open in Srinagar.”

Total nine markets around religious places will be thrown open between Ishah and Fajr prayers. Mainly the markets around places like Jamia Masjid Srinagar, Hazratbal, Dastageer Sahab Shrine and other places are likely to host night market.

“Besides to create festive mood, the state has invited fifteen unique dish-makers from Muslim pockets of India who would make delicacies and make them available on kiosks at Kashmir Haat in Srinagar,” the official said.

Among the delicacies being served by dish-makers include Hyderbardi Biryani, Delhi’s Nehari, and Lucknow’s Gulawati Kebab among others.

To attract the children to Kashmir Haat where kiosks will be serving delicacies to people, small Muslims girls have also been called from various Muslims parts of India for Hinna decorations.

In the month-long food carnival, 30 big businessmen of Kashmir would daily fund four hundred free Iftaar—on first come first serve basis at Kashmir Haat. “This will help revive business,” the official said.

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