Bengaluru: Ramzan aroma missing on Mosque Street

Bengaluru: The aromas of seekh kebab, gosht biryani or even haleem no longer fill the air. During a walk down the Mosque Road and it’s impossible not to recall how the ‘flavour of Ramzan’ was missing from the busy streets of Frazer Town.
Last year, though it was fewer in number, the Mosque Road and MM Road were abuzz with Ramzan stalls that has almost become a landmark.

As popularity grew, so did the footfalls and soon it turned into a jamboree. Sources suggest that on an average, every week at least 2,000 people used to visit the 100 odd stalls that sprung up on the footpaths.

However, like all good things that come to an end, last year, the city lost its ‘new-found landmark’. Citing garbage and traffic management issues, the police and BBMP, led by local leaders decided to put an end to this ‘growing menace’ in the neighbourhood.

On the 1st Day of Ramzan, Muslims buy snacks and food at the food shops, to break their fast on MM Road in Frazer Town in Bengaluru on Tuesday (Photo: R. Samuel)

As the ban over stalls continues this year too, Pulakeshinagar ward corporator Abdul Zakir said the whole concept of Ramzan celebrations was changing with elaborate feasts and it was time to put an end to the garbage menace during this particular period.

“Last year, we have collected one truck load of mixed garbage every day, which was mainly bones and plastic plates. With the current burning scenario in garbage management, we cannot afford to take chances. Also, there were safety concerns and it would have been an embarrassment if any untoward incidents took place during the Holy month. Hence, we have strictly ordered that even restaurants should not put up stalls on footpaths and encroach upon the walking space,” he said.  

Zakir maintained that food lovers, however, need not be disappointed as most of the hotels in Frazer Town were serving Ramzan delicacies this year. “Big names in hotel industry such as Empire, Savoury, Pista House, Albert Bakery will continue to serve their specialties. People can still come down to Frazer Town and enjoy food,” Zakir maintained. While officially the stalls on Mosque Road and MM Road have no permission, Ramzan stalls will continue to come up in Tilak Nagar, Bannerghatta Road, Shivaji Nagar and surrounding areas.