Buzz
In Mumbai, as Ramadan begins, a historic street near Minara Masjid transforms into a bustling food festival at sundown. Vendors from across the city offer barbecued delights and sweets to those breaking their fast in what becomes a 'khau galli'—an 'eat street' where everyone is welcome. Local photographer Hashim Badani, a longtime visitor, captured these vibrant scenes for Dinogo.
With monsoon rains or humidity hanging in the air, photographer Badani was soaked during his shoot. The khau galli is as packed as a rush-hour train, with street-food lovers and Ramadan observers in constant motion. 'You can't stand still; you're always moving,' says Badani. 'You sweat out the fatty food by the time you leave.'
While chicken tikka and goat brain masala are plentiful, Badani notes that the sweets steal the show. Special treats like phirni (sweet rice pudding), syrup-soaked malpua pancakes, and mawa jalebi (fried dough spirals) are the true highlights of khau galli.
As Badani photographed, vendors enthusiastically posed for the camera, offering free sweets while ensuring customers kept moving. These hawkers earn as much during the Ramadan festival as they do in the next six months, says Badani.
The market stays open until sunrise, serving everyone from post-work diners and night owls to Muslims grabbing a meal before dawn prayers. During Ramadan, people from all walks of life head to the khau galli, an area not frequently visited, to share in the joy of food. It's heartwarming, says Badani, to see Mumbai's community come together.
Hashim Badani is a photographer based in Mumbai.
