Hyderabad: Charminar to turn recreation hub

Hyderabad: Charminar will witness the Deccan's unique culture, 'Mazahiya Mushaira' this Sunday as part of 'Ek Shaam Charminar Ke Naam'.

For the first time in many years one of the most popular tourist places in the city, Charminar would be converted into a centre of art and cultural activities along with entertainment activities for children, and other various events.

The Sunday-Funday launched in the city at Tank Bund from August 30 receiving an overwhelming response for the last one month, the government decided to extend this concept to the Old City which has a rich culture and history. It is going to be a different version of Funday at the 430-year-old monument from 5 pm to 10 pm with the phrase 'Ek Shaam Charminar Ke Naam'.

The announcement of 'Mazahiya Mushaira' has created a new excitement among people of the Old City particularly the old-timers who have been feeling that the culture of mushairas and Qawwalis was fast vanishing.

They recall that several years back Charminar used to witness the cultural programmes. But it was stopped. Now again the Charminar would come alive with the cultural events. "Thanks to the government for selecting the Charminar for their second venue for Sunday-Funday events," said Shujath Ahmed. Renowned poets will be participating in the 'Mazahiya Mushaira'.

Besides this, there will be entertainment for the children along with painting and drawing competition and several such activities. Temporary stalls will be installed at the event. Earlier this week, buoyed by the phenomenal response from city folks to the Sunday-Funday events at Tank Bund, Municipal Administration KT Rama Rao and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi suggested the officials to plan similar events at Charminar.

On Thursday, Asaduddin Owaisi and Municipal Administration and Urban Development Principal Secretary Arvind Kumar along with Hyderabad City Police Anjani Kumar, MLA Ahmed Bin Abdullah Balala visited Charminar precinct to finalise arrangements for traffic free and pedestrian friendly programme for coming Sunday.

The Funday would be for all ages. "In a month two Sunday-Funday events will be held at Charminar. For the people attending the event, parking has been allotted at four places including Sardar Mahal, Charminar old bus stop, Khilwat ground, and Quli Qutub Shah stadium.