Bengaluru: Ramzan Food Mela is a cultural and culinary tradition that has been taking place for years in the Frazer Town, famous for attracting food lovers, who would come to try out the mouth-watering dishes from kebabs to biryani to samosas to pakoras to desserts to sherbets from various parts of the city.
For the people living in Frazer town, It is a festive occasion that adds to the vibrancy and liveliness, while creating an opportunity for people to come together, bond over food, and celebrate the spirit of Ramadan.
However, some people have come forward to seek a ban on Ramzan Food Mela, due to its perceived negative impact in the area. The members from Frazer Town Residents’ Welfare Association (FTRWA) in a letter to BBMP have argued that the event has commercialized the neighborhood, resulting in a host of civic problems.
The mela, which takes place on Mosque Road, MM Road, and other streets in the surrounding areas during Ramadan, has lost its peaceful essence due to the influx of outsiders, who set up stalls and flock to the area to indulge in the delicious food on offer, stated the association.
The once serene neighborhood has now become congested, noisy, and polluted, with the air filled with smoke and the streets littered with garbage. The food fair has become a traffic nightmare, with the influx of visitors causing significant disruptions to the area’s infrastructure and transportation, claims association.
While it is understandable that some residents may be inconvenienced by the crowds and traffic, it is worth noting that the event only lasts for a month during Ramadan and is not only about food but also has a significant economic impact on the community.
It provides an opportunity for small businesses and vendors to generate income, which is especially important in the current economic climate. By shutting down the event, we risk depriving them of their livelihoods, which is not only unfair but could also have a ripple effect on the wider community.
The Ramzan Food Mela is an essential part of the cultural fabric of Bengaluru, and it should be celebrated, not banned. The authorities can take measures to ensure that traffic flow is regulated, and the litter is promptly cleared during the festival. Additionally, the organizers can be encouraged to take steps to mitigate the impact on the local environment, such as using eco-friendly packaging.
The fate of the Ramzan Food Mela has struck a chord with Bengaluru residents, evoking a range of emotions from joy and nostalgia to frustration and concern.
Thus, It becomes crucial to balance the needs of the community with the preservation of tradition and culture. Collaborating together, we can find a way to ensure that the Ramzan Food Mela continues to be a cherished event that brings people together and celebrates the spirit of Ramadan.
What are your thoughts on the Ramadan food fair ? Let us know in the comments!
