Patna bakeries do brisk business

PATNA: During the month long Ramzan , a number of eateries near the Patna Junction and in areas like Sabzibagh , Ramna Road and Phulwari sharif remain open till midnight and do brisk business. It is not just a month of observing fast, but also a time for feasting.

Muslims make long queues outside bakeries and small parlours to buy ‘naan’, ‘shahi bakarkhani’, ‘lachha’ and dates which they consume during ‘iftar’ (evening meal) and ‘sehri’ (early morning meal).

Mohd Arman, the manager of a bakery in Sabzibagh, told this newspaper, “Ramzan is incomplete without ‘naan’ and ‘bakarkhani’ which are available in the range of Rs 40 to Rs 200 per piece. The ‘shahi bakarkhani’, which is stuffed with dry fruits, is available for Rs 250 or more.”

Mohd Amjad Ali, another shopkeeper in Sabzibagh locality, is selling different varieties of ‘lachhas’, which are available in the range of Rs 50 to Rs 150. “We bring the ‘lachhas’ all the way from Maharajganj in Uttar Pradesh. Customers buy them as per their budget,” Ali said.

An old and famous bakery in Sabzibagh has even hired more cooks to prepare ‘naans’ and cookies for its customers. One of the staff, Mohd Ashraf said, “Ramzan is one of the busiest times of the year for us. Our ‘naans’ and ‘bakarkhanis’ are the most sought-after items.”

Parasganj resident Abida Khatoon breaks her fast by eating dates and ‘sewai’ which she buys from Sabzibagh area.