The hawker zone

Throughout the Ramadan festival the old city market stays on a profit curve. There is a steady increase in the number of thela-bandi walas (Pushcart hawkers) and those who sell on foot and look like a shop that walks, every year.

As not everyone can afford to buy from the larger stores, these hawker zones turn into middle class havens supplying a variety of stuff from clothes, footwear, bags to fashion accessories.

It is great time for these small time traders, who make decent profits during the season; the last 15 days are even more happening when you see carts attractively arranged with an assortment of products, lined up all the way from Afzalgunj to Mecca Masjid.

Mohammed Taufiq, who sells bags and footwear since 11 years says, “Normally we purchase bags and slippers worth Rs 3000 every day. But during Ramadan we get more business as people indulge in shopping. This month, we earn a profit of atleast Rs10, 000.”