Buzz
As Ramadan unfolds in Mumbai, a historic street near the Minara Masjid transforms at sunset into a vibrant food festival. Vendors from across the city welcome fasting Muslims with barbecue and sweets as they break their fasts on this road, affectionately called khau galli, meaning 'eat street.' Everyone is invited to join in. Local photographer Hashim Badani, a long-time visitor to this annual celebration, captures the lively atmosphere for Dinogo.
With the monsoon season now in full swing in Mumbai, the weather alternates between rain and humidity. “I was drenched one way or the other,” Badani remarks about his experience. Crowds of eager food lovers and Ramadan participants flow through the street like a packed train, making it impossible to remain still. “You can’t go to khau galli without moving,” he says. “You enjoy all this rich food, but you sweat it out before you leave the alley.”
While there's an abundance of meat options like chicken tikka and goat brain masala, the sweets—many of which are exclusive to this season—are the real highlight, according to Badani. At khau galli, visitors savor phirni
As Badani snapped photos of the bustling scene, vendors eagerly engaged with the camera, offering free treats and pausing just enough to keep the lines moving smoothly. Badani notes that many of these street hawkers make as much during this nightly event as they would over the next six months combined.
The market remains vibrant until sunrise, as street-food vendors serve late-night diners, night owls, and those grabbing a meal before dawn prayers. During Ramadan, this area attracts many who typically wouldn’t visit, and Badani appreciates witnessing the unity of Mumbai’s residents over shared meals.
Hashim Badani is a photographer based in Mumbai.
