Qawwalis adding glamour quotient to Ramzan

Charminar: Tumhe Dillagi Bhool Jaani Padegi…Muhabbat ki Raaho Me Aa Kar Tho Dekho this Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan song and qawwalis of other popular singers are widely heard across the markets of Old City these days.

Especially, the aura of Ramzan shopping is set by these sound systems at the pavements. Shop owners install these sound systems and play qawwalis, naat and other religious albums to attract crowds. Earlier, it was not the trend and most of the shops used to decorate with colourful lighting system and markets were relatively tranquil then. However, for the past decade, the sound systems are in extensive use at many shops.

Ahmed Khaleel, a shoe mart owner near Chowmahalla Palace said that it feels good and gives a feeling of festival if we play qawwalis and other such stuff. He was playing a popular qawwali of Saberi Brothers. He said, “We use the sound system only during Ramzan. It is not only used for qawwalis but also to call customers announcing the varieties of the products we sale here and offers.”

A person is deputed on the mike for the job and he calls out to customers giving them offers and stating that their prices were the most affordable. Of late every other shop owner has started using sound system and this has created a competition among the businessmen thus making the market noisier.

The songs, qawwalis and other religious melodies not only create a festive ambience but at some places, create inconvenience for the visitors. A shopper near Charminar, Rahima Khatoon, said that sound systems installed on the makeshift and some big showrooms make it difficult to hear.

She said, “If they can’t hear what people want, what is the purpose of selling anything.” She advocates lower volume. Qawwalis of Warsi Brothers, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and lot of other singers are popularly played during Ramzan at shops in the market areas.

BY Mohammed Younus