One of city’s busiest markets is abuzz with shopping activity as Eid-ul-Fitr approaches
Hyderabad’s historic Resham Gali.
HYDERABAD:
During the holy month of Ramazan, the narrow lanes of Hyderabad’s historic Resham Gali become packed with shoppers preparing for Eid. Women browsing bangles, jewellery and traditional footwear crowd the sloping street, while shopkeepers call out to customers in one of the city’s busiest traditional markets.
Once known for its silk trade, Resham Gali has evolved into a bustling marketplace connected to the historic Shahi Bazaar, where visitors now come to buy everything from colourful bangles to embroidered clothing and traditional Hyderabadi khussas.
From the main road, the market appears to climb uphill, with rows of small shops stretching along the narrow street. Walking up the lane can feel like climbing a small hill, while coming down is far easier. But the real challenge is navigating through the crowds.
At peak hours, the market becomes so busy that even motorcycles and rickshaws struggle to pass through the narrow passage. During the holy month of Ramadan, when people head out after iftar for Eid shopping, the crowds grow even larger and walking through the market can become difficult.
Resham Gali gets its name from the silk trade that once flourished here. Earlier, the area was known for silk fabrics and weaving work, but over time the market expanded and began offering a wide range of products, especially items popular among women.
Today the long and narrow lane is filled with shops selling colourful glass bangles, imitation jewellery, cosmetics, handbags and traditional Hyderabadi khussas. The lively sounds of bargaining shoppers and shopkeepers calling out to customers create an atmosphere typical of Hyderabad’s old bazaars.
Bangles remain one of the most popular items sold in the market. According to local trader Muhammad Nadeem, who spoke to The Express Tribune, people travel long distances to buy bangles from this market.
“People come here from far away because they can get bangles at reasonable prices,” he said. “Instead of going to shopping malls, people prefer coming here.”
Nadeem says customers arrive from different parts of the region to shop in the market.
“This bazaar was established around 1980,” he explained. “Even before that, Resham Gali had been around for a long time.”
He said Hyderabad’s bangles are known for their durability and vibrant colours.
“These bangles are made in a special way and the colour does not fade easily,” he said. “Even if you wear them for years, they remain the same.”
According to him, the market is also connected to a network of factories and wholesalers.
“This is a major wholesale market for bangles,” he said. “There are factories where bangles are produced and from there the goods come to the wholesalers and shops here.”
A market steeped in tradition
Another trader, Muhammad Shahid, who sells traditional khussas in the market, says he has been working in Resham Gali for decades.
“I have been working here since 1988,” he said.
He described the market as one of Hyderabad’s most famous shopping spots.
“This is a very well-known bazaar. You can find almost everything here,” he said. “Customers come here daily because they know they will get what they need.”
According to Shahid, the market is particularly known for bangles and traditional clothing.
“Hyderabadi bangles are very famous here,” he said. “You can also find embroidered clothes and other traditional items.”
Like many traditional markets in Pakistan, Resham Gali becomes especially busy during Ramadan.
Shahid says the rush increases significantly as families prepare for Eid.
“During Ramzan this bazaar becomes extremely crowded,” he said. “Women come here in large numbers because it is considered a ladies’ shopping market where they can find everything.”
