Patna Gears Up for Alvida Juma and Eid with Extensive Preparations
In Patna, comprehensive arrangements have been meticulously organized for the upcoming Alvida Juma prayers on Friday and Eid prayers on Saturday. Eidgahs and designated prayer venues throughout the city have been readied to accommodate the anticipated large congregations, ensuring a smooth and spiritual experience for all attendees.
Prayer Venues and Timings Across the City
Officials have confirmed specific timings and capacities for key prayer locations. At Haj Bhawan, Eid namaz will be offered at 7:00 AM, with the venue capable of hosting nearly 2,500 worshippers. An official from Haj Bhawan noted that a significant footfall is expected on both days, highlighting the importance of these gatherings.
Gandhi Maidan will host Eid namaz at 7:30 AM, where around 20,000 people are projected to gather, according to Mahmood Alam, president of the Eidan Committee. He mentioned that a special area has been designated, as in previous years, for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to extend his greetings, and expressed gratitude to the administration for their support in facilitating the arrangements.
At the Shahi Eidgah in Gulzarbagh, Eid namaz is scheduled for 8:30 AM. Abdullah Ansari, associated with the venue, urged people to arrive well in time to ensure orderly participation.
Sabzibagh Transforms into a Vibrant Food Hub
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Sabzibagh area has evolved into a bustling food hub, drawing large crowds with its array of traditional delicacies. From sizzling kebabs and aromatic biryani to hot cups of sheer chai, the area is a culinary hotspot during Ramzan.
Local resident Ahmad Khalid Farooqui, 45, remarked that he has never witnessed such massive crowds before. "Every year, the number of food stalls increases and so does the crowd. This year, it is massive. The area has become like a food hub similar to those around Jama Masjid in Delhi. Several shops remain open till 4 AM," he said, emphasizing the growing popularity of the locale.
Market Rush and Last-Minute Shopping
Markets across Patna experienced heavy footfall on Thursday as residents engaged in last-minute shopping for the festivities. Shops specializing in clothes, footwear, accessories, sweets, and other festive essentials remained exceptionally busy, with commercial areas like Patna Market, Sabzibagh, and around Patna Junction seeing a sharp rise in activity.
Particularly crowded were shops selling food items such as sewai, sheermal, bakarkhani, and dry fruits. Mohammad Gauhar, who traveled from Raja Bazar to Sabzibagh to purchase delicacies, reported waiting over an hour at a bakery to buy sheermal and bakarkhani. He added that shops selling sewai were facing similar rushes, underscoring the high demand.
Affordable Mughlai Delicacies Drive Footfall
The appeal of the food hub lies in its largely Mughlai dishes, sold at nominal rates, which are a major draw for visitors. Kebabs, including simple kebab, malai kebab, and seekh kebab, are priced between Rs 160 and Rs 250 per plate. Haleem, a Ramzan-only delicacy, is available for approximately Rs 80 to Rs 100 for a small plate of chicken haleem.
Bailey Road resident Ashish Kumar shared that he visits the area every Ramzan to enjoy the food. "This year, before Navratra, I went to Sabzibagh thrice to relish the delicacies," he said, highlighting the seasonal attraction.
Additionally, the pink-coloured sheer chai remains a significant highlight. This flavoured milk tea, exclusive to Ramzan, attracts huge crowds nightly. Ekhlaq Ahmad mentioned that he visits one of the stalls every night after iftar with friends to savor the beverage, adding to the communal spirit of the season.
Overall, Patna is abuzz with festive preparations, blending religious observances with culinary celebrations, creating a vibrant atmosphere for all residents and visitors during this special time.
