Ramazan: Mosques and markets

We look at contrasting aspects of night life in Karachi during the month of Ramazan

KARACHI: Karachi’s buzzing nightlife is no secret but the metropolis popularly known as Pakistan’s ‘city of lights’ has something more powerful to offer as Eid approaches.

While many spend their nights in mosques offering Taraweeh prayers and Itikaaf seeking repentance, others throng shops to prepare for Eid and the contrast is hard to miss.

Being a photographer and having spent Ramazan on both opposing tangents in the past, I was inspired to study the contrasting nightlife in my city.

Through my lens:

People shop for discounted items at a store on Tariq Road, Karachi.



Early birds at Masjid-e-Saheem in Defence offer prayers in air conditioned halls.

Bangles shop in Duppatta Galli. Bangles are traditionally worn by girls of all ages on the occasion of Eid.

A young boy looks after his father's make-shift stall while he offers Isha prayers at Ayesha Masjid.



A young shopper in action in Tariq Road.

Some call it a night after Taraweeh prayers, while others enter for a post-prayer sermon.

A chaotic scene at Mina Bazaar as shoppers negotiate rates with vendors.

Taraweeh prayers in progress at Masjid-e-Ayesha.

A mother and daughter search for the perfect pair of earrings at a shop in Mina Bazaar.

Worshipers wait for a sermon to start.

Who doesn't want bangles on Eid?

Taraweeh prayers at Ayesha Masjid.

No space for parking as shoppers throng markets.

All Mosques burst their seams during the the last days of Ramazan. Worshippers pray on the road at Saim Masjid in Defence Phase V.

People relax after before heading home for Sehri after Tarweehn prayers.

Everything from bangles to clothes and even bubbles sell in the festive season.

Worshippers at Baitussalam Mosque on 25th of Ramazan.

Shop vendors await customers following the first monsoon rains in the city.

Taraweeh prayers in progress at Ali Masjid.

People disperse after offering Isha Prayers at Baitussalam Mosque.

Large crowds at Hyderi market in North Nazimabad make Eid shopping a daunting task.

With mosques at their full capacity, people spill over into neighbouring parks and roadsides on the 27th of Ramazan.

Dolmen Mall, Tariq Road at night.