During the 30 day period that culminates in Eid, apart from the fasting, Muslims are required to pray and abstain from negative thoughts to purify the soul. The early morning meal before the fast is Sehri while iftar marks the end of the fast after sunset.
As important as it is to fast during Ramzan, it is equally important to have a nutritious and healthy diet before and after.
Specialties like Khajla, (round bread), Pheni, (spiral crusty cakes) and sheermaal (sweet buns, usually served with butter and jam) are prepared during Ramzan, providing the required energy without wreaking havoc on the digestive system.
Khajla and Pheni are made in desi ghee and soaked in hot milk overnight. At the time of consumption, sugar is added to it. Some also like to add dry fruits.
People usually go to bed after eating the sehri, so the meal should be light and digestable, therefore Khajla is a staple meal across several homes.
Apart from those fasting, there are several non-Muslims from across the city who throng the walled city every year during Ramzan for Khajla.
Markets around Jama Masjid, are all decked up and bustling with crowds. The excitement is palpable as you enter one of the many lanes leading to the 17th century historic mosque, decorated in yellow lights.
Post iftar, the markets and streets are abuzz with some out for shopping and dinner, while others to meet friends over a Banarasi paan.
Nearby popular eateries like Karim’s and Al-Jawahar restaurant do brisk business as families throng them for dinner while youngsters, especially those on a shoestring budget head to the several kiosks lined outside these restaurants, grilling all types of meats.
Mutton seekh kebabs, shammi kebabs, chicken tikkas, fried chicken etc. usually served with rumali rotis and with a generous amount of mint chutney, chopped onions and chaat masala, a meal for two at any of the dozen kiosks is just around Rs. 150.
For those having a sweet tooth, there are abundant shops and kiosks selling rabri faluda, kulfi, jalebi, phirni (kheer) or kesar, badam milk.
Apart from gorging on the succulent kebabs and spicy curries, shopping is another highlight during this period.
From Lucknowi Chikan suits to fancy sandals and imported cosmetics, women throng the several clothes, footwear and cosmetics shops in Chitli Kabar, Matia Mahal and Meena Bazaar.
The men folk meanwhile, hunt for kurta pyjama/salwar kameez, skull caps and sandals, many of them preferring Ballimaran market.
