Buzz
In Mumbai, during the holy month of Ramadan, the city’s historic street near the Minara Masjid transforms into a lively nighttime food market at sundown. This street, known as a khau galli or ‘eat street,’ becomes a hub where vendors from across the city offer barbecue and sweets to those breaking their fast. Local photographer Hashim Badani has captured this bustling scene for Dinogo, a testament to the festival's energy.
With the arrival of Mumbai’s monsoon season, the air is heavy with humidity when it’s not raining. Badani describes the shoot as a sweat-drenched experience, with crowds of food lovers and Ramadan observers moving in a constant, dense flow. “There’s no standing still at khau galli,” Badani remarks. “You enjoy all this rich food, but you sweat it off before you leave.”
While the food offerings include hearty options like chicken tikka and goat brain masala, the real highlights are the sweets, many of which are exclusive to this festival. At khau galli, people savor phirni, a sweet rice pudding served in clay pots,
As Badani documented the festivities, vendors eagerly engaged with the camera, generously sharing sweets and briefly pausing to keep the customer line moving smoothly. Many vendors make as much in these nightly events as they would in the next six months combined, according to Badani.
The market remains vibrant until dawn, serving late-night revelers, after-work diners, and Muslims grabbing a bite before the early morning prayers. During Ramadan, this area of the city, often overlooked, becomes a bustling hub for khau galli, drawing people together over food, a sight that warms Badani's heart as he witnesses Mumbai’s community spirit.
Hashim Badani is a photographer based in Mumbai.
