Time is changing music, bands fall silent for Azaan

Hyderabad: Eateries on the procession route in the Old City have reported brisk business during the 10th day visarjan; the fear of trouble during immersion processions is visibly gone. 

Since morning, several juice centers, food joints, soft beverage shops and pan shops have opened their establishments. 

“Things are so different  now. People are busy with their day-to-day life and no one wants trouble. Noticing the peaceful atmosphere, I opened my shops and have done good business,” said Mr Mohd Yousuf, a cold drink shop owner in front of Macca Masjid. A little away from the place, Mr Muqtar, a 55-year-old fruit vendor sells apples. 

“The fruit is priced cheaply now and devotees in the procession are buying it. At the end of the day, I will earn about Rs 400 to Rs 500,” he said. When asked whether this was possible a few years ago, Mr Muqtar replied, “The situation is changing rapidly now. Where is the time for people to think about Hindu and Muslim? If there was any feeling about religious identity, why would so many Hindus visit my cart and purchase apples? People want peace.”

At Shahalibanda crossroads, the scene was no different. A dairy products store of a noted company was also doing brisk business. Many from Ganesh processions dropped in to have a glass of lassi, ‘butter milk or flavoured milk at the store. The glass facade store is closed on almost all communally sensitive occasions owing to its location. This time though it was greatly different.

A salesman at the shop said that they had come and stood first for half an hour to watch the mood of the participants. “All are in festive mood and there are no signs of ill feeling. In fact, when Azaan from the nearby mosque was being read over the loud speaker, the bands fell silent,” said the salesman. 

ACP Charminar, Mr  Mohd Tajuddin said people today are least worried about communal tensions unlike a few years back.