Fraser Town’s usually bustling Ramzan season has turned bleak this year, as broken roads, open drains, and stagnant water paint a gloomy picture for both businesses and customers. Popular eateries like New Taj Biryani Centre on M M Road have seen a sharp decline in foot traffic, with a reported 50% drop in customers. Azam, the manager of the restaurant, shares, “We were hoping the roads would be fixed by Ramzan, but it looks like this isn’t ending anytime soon. We’ve kept our menu small this year, as we don’t expect large crowds.”
The area, known for its vibrant Ramzan food mela featuring over 200 stalls, has faced criticism in recent years for traffic congestion and health hazards. Last year, a collective effort from local groups like the Fraser Town Residents’ Welfare Association and Haji Sir Ismail Sait Community Development Trust led to a ban on outdoor stalls during Ramzan, which continues this year. Khalid Ahmed Sharieff, owner of Charminar Kabab Paradise, says, “The food mela was chaotic last year. With the ban, the area was much calmer. This year, the roadwork has made it impossible for people to set up stalls, so it’ll be a quieter Ramzan.”
Eateries in the locality are struggling as well, with some restaurants reporting a significant drop in customer numbers. Charminar Kabab Paradise, which usually serves up to 5,000 customers a day, has already seen low footfall. “It’s unlikely we’ll meet the 5,000 mark this year,” says Sharieff.
The lack of foot traffic has forced many business owners to seek alternative locations. Abdul Wajid, owner of Al Zara Mandi, decided to set up stalls in Koramangala after noticing a drop in walk-in customers by 80%. “Koramangala has a better festive spirit,” he says. Mohammed Imtiyaz, who has been running a live grill stall on Mosque Road for years, has also chosen to move out of Fraser Town, opting for stalls in Koramangala and Kammanahalli this year.
With the festive spirit seemingly diminishing in Fraser Town, many food lovers are choosing to explore other neighbourhoods this Ramzan.