Prayagraj markets abuzz with Ramzan preparations

Prayagraj: Markets of the Sangam city, especially those located in the old city areas, witnessed hectic business on the eve of the holy month of Ramzan, on Thursday. From shops selling delectable food items for ‘roza’, to apparel shops, long queue of people at the markets till late night set the tone of holy month of Ramzan.
Ramzan will begin from Friday, March 24.
Since past one week, shoppers from Chowk or Katra or localities like Kareli, Dariyabad, North Malaka etc, are thronging both the traditional haunts and the glitzy malls to wrap up last minute preparations for commencement of the holy month. The shops are expected to remain open till dawn for the remaining days of Ramzan to cater to the rush.
Food being the essential part of the month-long fasting by the people of Muslim community, a large number of roadside vendors are selling various items that would be consumed over the period of one month. Temporary vermicelli (sewain) stalls at Loknath and the stretch till Nakhas Kohna have been set up. “It is considered auspicious to consume something sweet and sewain is a popular ingredient to make sweet dishes like sheer khorma and milk sewain, both during Ramzan and Eid,” said Sahab Uddin, who has been witnessing brisk sales on the crowded streets of Chowk.
Likewise, hectic buying was seen at stalls selling dates, dry fruits, spicy ‘namkeen’ and different ingredients to make various items that would be prepared by the people for ‘iftar’ and ‘sehri’.
“As the holy month would start from Friday, there is great enthusiasm in the family, from youngsters to elders, all are eagerly waiting for the commencement of the holy month,” said Nasreen, a housewife.