Hyderabad:

With Dasara just around the corner, shoppers from across the twin cities as well as surrounding districts are thronging the textile markets of Madina in large numbers to make retail and wholesale purchases. In fact, some traders here claim that Dasara sales are better compared to their Eid sales in August this year.

During the last two years or so, the markets here had reported poor business due to Telangana agitation and recurrent bandhs. However, this year traders are content. Mohammed Kareem, a trader on the Patthergatti stretch says that most of the dealers started preparations last month to avoid last minute uncertainties. He said that the Dasara merchandise arrived about a fortnight ago and the demand for kanchi silk saris and the new varieties of dress materials is on the rise this season.

A little ahead in Sultan Bazaar and  Badi Chowdi area,  Arun Ganatra , who has a chain of five stores said, “Festive shopping began last week. While sales are average now, we are hopeful of good business in the days to come. Badi Chowdi market is famous for salwar sets and saris. Celebrity outfits are also available here.” He added that people from all over the twin cities come here for the wide and unique variety of clothes the shops offer. Old City traders say that the markets in Madina are the oldest textile hubs in the twin cities. With Dasara celebrated on a large scale in the Telangana region, the demand for clothes is big. Not just denizens but wholesalers and retailers from the city and other parts of the state rely on this market to get the best deals. Mehfooz Ahmed, president, Old City Traders Association, says, “This is twin city’s main market as everything is available. The pricing is reasonable and it has a lot to offer the customers,” said Ahmed. He also said that compared to last season, the customer flow has improved considerably, as the city is largely peaceful this time. For jewellery and other accessories, Laad Bazaar remains the most preferred destination, he added.

However, the daily four-hour long power shutdowns and the 10 pm deadline imposed by the police have come as a bane during this festive season, traders concede. While the rise in diesel prices among other commodities have led to a marginal rise in the prices, but it is no deterrent for buyers, traders say.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Hyderabad / TNN / October 15th, 2012

Staff arranging different varieties of dishes for inauguration of Biryani Festival in Hotel Ilapuram, in Vijayawada, on Wednesday.  / Photo: V. Raju / The Hindu

Some mouth watering dishes are on the menu at the Biryani Festival, being hosted in Hotel Ilapuram, for non-vegetarian food lovers. ‘Chicken dum biryani’, ‘chicken katchi biryani’, ‘chicken ulavacharu biryani’, ‘gongura mutton biryani’, ‘keema biryani’, ‘prawn masala biryani’, ‘fish amritsari biryani… and the menu is unending. Hotel director Ilapuram Raja inaugurated the festival on Wednesday.

Hyderabad dum chicken biryani, Ilapuram special non-veg biryani and South Indian biryanis will attract the customers during the Dasara festivities, said Hotel manager M. Srinivas.

“The ulavacharu chicken and mutton biryanis, gongura mutton biryani, zinga thamanna biryani (biryani prepared with prawns diced with capsicum, cashew and special herbs) and anda julmi biryani will entice the customers”, said Mr. Srinivas.

For vegetarians, experienced chefs will prepare shahi sabjee ka biryani, paneer mushroom biryani, kashmiri biryani and veg. dum biryani with spicy vegetarian curries. People who visit Vijayawada during Dasara vacations can visit Hotel Ilapuram and enjoy the Biryani festival at an affordable price.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Cities> Vijayawada / by Staff Reporter / October 11th, 2012