For hostelers in Telangana, Ramzan's still fun

Hyderabad: For most universities, it's vacation time but for students who've stayed back in the hostels to study for competitive exams, Ramzan has become the time to make new friends.

And for those from other countries, Hyderabad is proving to be a delight. University hostels in the city come alive every day in the morning during Sehri and during evenings as students break the fast together at Iftar.

At the Maulana Azad National Urdu University students have even prepared their own menu for the mess staff to cook for Ramzan and they’re even ready to pay extra. Aqib Nazar, an MBA student and former head of the students’ union at MANUU says, “During the day we are busy but we make sure we’re all together for Sehri and Iftar. We do miss being with our families back home during Ramzan but we got each other and it is absolute fun. The togetherness brings out the true festive spirit.” 

K.E. Mohammad, a research scholar from EFLU, says, “At our university, a few students have stayed back so it is impractical for us to ask the hostel mess to cook food just for us. But we all go out for Iftar and break the fast together.”

Meanwhile, international students are making the most out of the festive season by making new friends and exploring Hyderabad.  Mohammad Jamshidi, from Afghanistan, who is pursuing his PG at Nizam College, is in love with the city.

“I have been to Bengaluru and other places earlier but none of them were as vibrant and lively as Hyderabad during Ramzan. The way people come together, the haleem stalls, markets staying open... everything look beautiful. It definitely helps  as you miss home during Ramzan,” he said.