If you want a real experience of night bazaar, head to Old City and indulge in some shopping masti

The month of Ramzan is coming to an end and the city is gearing up to culminate the month-long fasting period in grand celebrations. While you might have done your mandatory rounds of haleem hopping and midnight biryani sessions this season, the Ramzan experience is incomplete if you haven’t shopped. And no, going to the malls and designer stores does not qualify. If you want to indulge in the real experience, take a trip down to Old City — Charminar to be more specific. Amidst the regular hustle and bustle that’s the trademark of this area, the night market during Ramzan has a character of its own. The crowds are manifold with more shops lining the streets and wares displayed for your convenience.

For many, shopping here might not exactly be their cup of tea. But think about it this way — when was the last time you let yourself be powered ahead by a sea of humanity? When was the last time you actually bargained for a dozen bangles as cheap as `30? When was the last time you indulged in roadside eateries while filling your shopping bags with bargained items? If the answer to all of these queries and more in the negative, then it’s time to make a trip to the night market while a few days remain.

Bangles

They are colourful, cute and blingy. Yes, the bangles here can put the bling-loving hip hop artiste to shame, yet, have a charm of its own. Hyderabad is known for its bangles, with an entire lane dedicated solely to this accessory. So, while on your midnight jaunt, take a walk down the ‘bangle’ road to check out the latest. Put up a good bargain and viola! You’re now the proud owner of some glittering delights.

Baubles

This is the perfect place to find jhumkas and other earrings in faux kundan, polki and other designs. There is no sugar coating it here — what you see is what you get. And 50% of the time, what you get here is at par with what’s available at high-end stores. Street vendors, mostly tribal women from Andhra Pradesh, put on sale anklets and waistbands. They are not made of silver, but you might just get lucky if you manage to spot a piece that’s perfectly crafted. From lil colourful clips to hold your hair in place to fancy, shiny clutches — there are chances that you might end up finding something to like.

Ittar

This natural perfume derived from botanical sources is a must during Ramzan. At the Charminar market, there are stores selling them by the dozen. Some even claim to have them imported from France, while the others rely on products from the Middle East and India. But no matter where they come from, the fragrance of the ittar is unique and absolutely different from the Diors and Guccis we so willingly sport. From jasmine to rose, lilies to woody notes, pick up a bottle of ittar that you think suits you and wear it on the big day.

Slippers

Take a break from your Jimmy Choos and Christian Louboutins. At the night market, there are enough pairs to sustain a whole population for the next two years. The footwear available here might not be something you would want to flaunt with your expensive designer gear, but you might just get lucky and bag a pair of let’s say ‘garden footwear’.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Life & Style> Travel> Ramzan / by Sarah Salvadorre, TNN / August 18th, 2012