Hyderabadis flock to parks, lakes to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations continued for the second day in Hyderabad, with families visiting parks, lakes, monuments, and food hubs across the city. Public spaces such as Nehru Zoo, Necklace Road, Golconda Fort, and Moazzam Jahi Market witnessed heavy festive crowds.

Hyderabad: Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations continued for the second day in the city on Sunday with people thronging public spaces to enjoy the festive season.

Public spaces such as the age-old favourite, Nehru Zoological Park, Qutb Shahi Tombs, Golconda Fort, Himayatsagar and Osmansagar witnessed a heavy rush on Sunday. Huge crowds were also seen at Necklace Road, NTR Park, Lumbini Park and People’s Plaza, since afternoon, with families descending to chill out.

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“For many families, it is a practice to go out after the Ramzan month and relax after a tight Ramzan schedule. The weather is pleasant today, so people have come out in huge numbers to enjoy the festival season,” said Shehnaz Begum, a housewife from Dabeepura.

About two decades ago, the only picnic places in the city were the zoo, Himayatsagar and Osmansagar. “People used to hire a matador tempo van and go on a picnic. Entire extended family would gather and head to Gandipet carrying lunch in big tiffin boxes,” recalls Mohd Abdul Junaid, a school teacher from Bagh e Jahara.

Then came the parks at Necklace Road and Tank Bund and private recreational spots at Adibatla, Abdullapurmet, Lower Tank Bund, Necklace Road and Jubilee Hills were added. Now, the younger generation has umpteen choices. “Groups of youngsters are heading to forest trek parks, adventure sports venues and dams for fishing,” explained Mohd Shujath, an entrepreneur.

The Famous Ice Cream and other joints at Moazzam Jahi Market also witnessed a huge rush in the evening hours with families gathering at the ‘must-visit’ place a day after ‘Eid ul Fitr’. A crowd was also witnessed at chat bhandars located at Koti and Abid Road.

A few families had well in advance booked the farm houses at Moinabad, Shamshabad, Shameerpet for a get- together. “The concept gained acceptance in the last few years due to nuclear families and small houses. In farm houses on the city outskirts, there is a soothing ambience due to the plantation and swimming pool,” said Moize Khan, an IT professional, who is a resident of Tolichowki.