Ramadan is one of the twelve Arabic months of the Islamic calendar. A period reflecting fasting and sacrifice observed by Muslims all around the world. It is believed the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in this holy month and Muslims from all around the world fast from dawn to dusk that ends with a grand celebration during Eid-ul-Fitr. Fast always comes with a feast and if you want to witness the true spirit of Ramadan in India then flocking to some of the main iconic regions of the country like Hyderabad, Lucknow, Bhopal, Kolkata, and Delhi will surely welcome you for the colourful feast (Iftar).

Bhopal

The capital city of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal is also considered as the city of Masjids.  During the time of Ramadan, the city turns into a paradise for food connoisseurs that offers a lot of lip-smacking delicacies. From Itwara street to Shahjahanabad the streets are filled with aromas of Biryani, Kabab Grilled Chicken and colourful mocktails.  It is said that during the reign of Nawabs, the fasting (Rozas) began and ended with the blast of a cannon, followed with grand iftar parties. However, this tradition is now following up with bursting of crackers which serves as a respect to the previous traditional norms. The restaurants remain open for the foodies till dawn. Butter Chicken, Haleem and Rogan josh are some of the most wanted dishes that can be enjoyed with your friends and family. Exploring local markets like Ibrahimpur and Nadeem Bazaar add an extra topping on the tour. The markets are crowded which creates another blissful surrounding during Ramadan in Bhopal.

Kolkata

Kolkata offers a unique list of delicacies during this holy month.  The ‘city of joy’ is famous for its Biryani, Misti Doi, Rosogollla  Macher Jhol, however, during Ramadan, the city offers a little extra on the diet.  From New Market to Zakaria Street or from Park Circus to Metiabruz, the city is filled with light and energy. A call for the prayer can be heard on the streets of Kolkata and people breaks their fast with compassion. The food stalls remain active almost throughout the day from afternoon till the dawn. People have their own distinct taste for Iftar and Sehri (meal before fasting).  The food stalls sell some of the best cuisines like Lachchhas, Shirmal and varieties of Pakoras that cannot be covered in one evening.  Some of the real flavoured dishes like Arbi Haleem, Changezi Chicken,  Sutli Kabab, Kheeri Kabab will surely change your taste bud and starting your day with Nalli nihari with Dal Ki Puri is yet another level of gastronomy during Ramadan.

Hyderabad

Hyderabad, home to the most beautiful old cities in India also called the city of Nizams becomes vibrantly alive during this holy month Ramadan. Sirens shriek in harmony from hundreds of mosques across the city for ‘sehri/ iftar. Although the city is famous for its Hyderabadi Biryani, Haleem is one of the most important delicacies that the city serves only during this holy month and people eagerly wait for Ramadan every year to grab the best opportunity to taste one of the best dishes in the world. The festive mood of the city during this auspicious month can be particularly felt in and around the old city of Hyderabad. Some of the lip-smacking delicacies like Patthar Ka Gosh, Murtabak, ‘Double Ka Meetha’ and Biryani can be added as the best-recommended food during a tour in Hyderabad.

Delhi

Delhi, the capital city and the heart of India have its own distinguished flavour of Ramadan. The Mughal city during this auspicious month is immensely radiant. When the sun sets, the city awake with an enormous amount of delicacies aroma of food that can be observed in the streets of Old city. Jama Masjid is one of those places of old Delhi which is famous for its rich Mughlai Cuisine and mouth-watering dishes. Flamed in red charcoal, juicy grilled kebabs, Butter fried Chicken, Beef Kabab and Shawarma creates an ambience that offers the alluring aroma of exotic spices that are enough to appeal food hunters in and around the city to this place. The unique Achari Biryani will leave finger-licking and the Shahi tukda with mango ice cream reveal the different flavours of Delhi to relish with friends and family. The shopping complex and other famous bazaars of Delhi like the Meena Bazar, Khan Market  Chandni chowk becomes active at the time of this holy month.

Lucknow

The land of kabab and Nawabs is dipped in the serenity of rituals during the holy month of Ramadan.  Lucknow is famous for its Mughal architecture and monuments and much like the historical monuments, the food too speaks status of the Nawabi culture.  A walk through the narrow lanes of Chowk, Aminabad and Hazratganj will get you to the Awadhi cuisine of Lucknow which is famous for its flavourful Dum Biryanis, slow-cooked Nalli Nihari well served with Khameeri Roti.  The city streets come to life during evening selling some of the best street food like Round samosas, Tokri chaat, Makkhan Malai and numerous Kababs and sweets that you might miserably fail to keep a count. A feast for non-veg lovers which serves food almost 24/7 during this holy month, serving some iconic dishes like Afghani chicken, Paratha chicken masala, Mutton biryani and Lucknow’s iconic Tundey Kabab is the taste you can never forget in your life.

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