Iftar nights at jamia

Jamia which means ‘university’ in Arabic, is a name bestowed upon Jamia Nagar, an area in south Delhi with <g data-gr-id="33"><g data-gr-id="43">muslim</g></g> majority. The area is in proximity to Jamia Millia Islamia, a prestigious university in the national Capital. During the month of Ramzan, this inexpensive colony is well-decorated. The area which is otherwise <g data-gr-id="42">congested,</g> seems deserted during the <g data-gr-id="34">day time</g>, as people prefer to stay at their homes while fasting.

Iftar preparation begins earlier in the evening and people break their fast after a loud siren, which marks the exact time of eating.

“Ramzan brings us closer to our family. We eat, pray and shop together. It is a great feeling”, said Hammad Kamal, a Batla House resident. The male members start moving towards the nearby mosques to offer <g data-gr-id="40">tarawee</g> post <g data-gr-id="50">iftar,</g> while the women and children burst out of their homes to the nearby markets. This paradise for non-vegetarians has a lot to treat their bellies. Biryani shops are the highlight of this market. Bilal, Hammad and Salman chicken biryani are a few such names.

As a result of the University’s proximity, a large number of students who reside in the nearby colonies in paying guests and apartments also come here to cherish the festivities. As Eid is round the corner— plenty of shops, like those at <g data-gr-id="38">Chandini</g> Chowk, attract people who are interested in shopping for bangles, street snacks, show pieces and clothes.

Plenty of refreshments are available from sherbets to lime juice. Furthermore, small vendors of fruits, dates, kebabs and lip smacking chicken delicacies are strewn around the market.

Jama Masjid <g data-gr-id="35">Abubaqar</g> Siddique is the Central Mosque of Jamia Nagar—it is a huge beautiful white building with green borders and <g data-gr-id="36">square shaped</g> windows. Heaps of  straw, bound and stacked in circles make it very difficult to spot the shopkeeper, dwarfed behind, busy doing his business. He and his neighbour Raju, a <g data-gr-id="37">paan</g> seller, both love this period of Ramzan. “It is the most happening period of the year, I earn the most during this time,” said Raju.

By 4 am, people go back to their homes and the shopkeepers after wrapping up their accounts, shut their shops and pray.