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The best of the produce

Ramzan evenings spells brisk business for fruit vendors

PHOTO: MOHAMMED YOUSUF

EXOTIC LINE-UP Ramzan brings imported dates, apples, papayas and pears

Business has rarely been this brisk in the evenings for Bhagya Prakash. When the sun begins its journey westwards, it's time for Bhagya Prakash and other vendors to move and take their new positions outside the nearest mosque.

Having stocked their push carts with pineapples, watermelons, bananas, dates and other fruits, they line up near the Spanish mosque in Begumpet to cater to people who geari up to break their fast after the namaz. A highly unlikely sight at this venue.

And it's not just here that you'll find fresh fruit vendors queuing up with their produce. Outside mosques and id gaahs all across the city, these vendors line-up and provide easy access to those breaking the roza. "The sales shoot up in the month of Ramzan.

We get more stock, especially packets of dates and watermelon. During the mornings, we sell in the residential areas or at the usual places near the smaller markets.

Afternoons and evenings, we make better business near mosques," says Prakash, even as he quickly cuts the watermelon to make take-away fruit platters. Call it sharp business acumen or the understanding of what sells best, vendors across the city can be found dotting lanes and by-lanes adjacent to mosques during this month.

From imported dates to apples, papayas and pears, there's something to suit every palate. And business is brisk almost until 10 - 10.30 p.m.

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