Postcard from Old Delhi: The city that never sleeps during Ramadan - in pictures

  • A shopkeeper dressed as an Arab sells ‘Mohabbat-e-sharbat’ or the sherbet of love at Old Delhi. The bright pink drink is made with Rooh Afza, an ultra-sweet concoction of herbs and fruit, milk or water and garnished with diced watermelon. All photos: Taniya Dutta/The National
    A shopkeeper dressed as an Arab sells ‘Mohabbat-e-sharbat’ or the sherbet of love at Old Delhi. The bright pink drink is made with Rooh Afza, an ultra-sweet concoction of herbs and fruit, milk or water and garnished with diced watermelon. All photos: Taniya Dutta/The National
  • People walk past a popular restaurant at Old Delhi. Though most restaurants remain shut during the day as people observe a fast from dawn to dusk, businesses witness a hectic footfall in the evenings.
    People walk past a popular restaurant at Old Delhi. Though most restaurants remain shut during the day as people observe a fast from dawn to dusk, businesses witness a hectic footfall in the evenings.
  • The area remains packed with tourists and epicureans throughout the year, particularly in Bazaar Matia Mahal market where infinite eateries sell Mughal-inspired dishes, it transforms into a tapestry of Hindu-Muslim harmony during Ramadan.
    The area remains packed with tourists and epicureans throughout the year, particularly in Bazaar Matia Mahal market where infinite eateries sell Mughal-inspired dishes, it transforms into a tapestry of Hindu-Muslim harmony during Ramadan.
  • The medieval Jama Masjid, India’s biggest mosque in Old Delhi.
    The medieval Jama Masjid, India’s biggest mosque in Old Delhi.
  • A popular restaurant at Old Delhi that sells a unique version of butter chicken. Taniya Dutta/The National
    A popular restaurant at Old Delhi that sells a unique version of butter chicken. Taniya Dutta/The National
  • Shopkeeper selling sewaiyan, or vermicelli, a popular fine ‘noodle-like’ dessert that is quintessential for sehri in the subcontinent. It is roasted in clarified butter and soaked or boiled in milk.
    Shopkeeper selling sewaiyan, or vermicelli, a popular fine ‘noodle-like’ dessert that is quintessential for sehri in the subcontinent. It is roasted in clarified butter and soaked or boiled in milk.
  • Mohammed Khalil, 61, sells Mohabbat-e-sharbat’ or the sherbet of love at Old Delhi. The bright pink drink is made with Rooh Afza, an ultra-sweet concoction of herbs and fruit, milk or water and garnished with diced watermelon.
    Mohammed Khalil, 61, sells Mohabbat-e-sharbat’ or the sherbet of love at Old Delhi. The bright pink drink is made with Rooh Afza, an ultra-sweet concoction of herbs and fruit, milk or water and garnished with diced watermelon.
  • A child enjoying a camel ride at Old Delhi. Taniya Dutta/The National
    A child enjoying a camel ride at Old Delhi. Taniya Dutta/The National
  • Shopkeepers selling ‘shahi tukda’ meaning royal piece, a special bread pudding in Old Delhi. T
    Shopkeepers selling ‘shahi tukda’ meaning royal piece, a special bread pudding in Old Delhi. T
  • Temporary stalls selling bangles, footwear, and skull caps of different designs and vivid colors spring up in the crammed market for one month.
    Temporary stalls selling bangles, footwear, and skull caps of different designs and vivid colors spring up in the crammed market for one month.
  • Cheena Lahot with her family arrived at Old Delhi to experience unique Ramadan special food.
    Cheena Lahot with her family arrived at Old Delhi to experience unique Ramadan special food.
  • A man selling fried chicken in his shop at Old Delhi. Infinite eateries sell Mughal-inspired dishes at Bazaar Matia Mahal opposite medieval Jama Masjid in Old Delhi.
    A man selling fried chicken in his shop at Old Delhi. Infinite eateries sell Mughal-inspired dishes at Bazaar Matia Mahal opposite medieval Jama Masjid in Old Delhi.
  • The historic alleyways of Old Delhi always mill with hundreds of faithful returning from the medieval historic Jama Masjid after offering special prayers mix with hordes of diners who have thronged to the oldest part of the capital to experience the spirit of Ramadan.
    The historic alleyways of Old Delhi always mill with hundreds of faithful returning from the medieval historic Jama Masjid after offering special prayers mix with hordes of diners who have thronged to the oldest part of the capital to experience the spirit of Ramadan.