by Shoeb Ahmed Siddiqi
One alarming aspect of this cultural shift in Hyderabad, is the rise of the late-night culture and obsession with food among the city’s youth
Muslims have been an integral part of India for centuries, and their cuisine reflects the amalgamation of different cultures and influences. Food is an integral part of Indian culture, and the Muslim-dominated cities like Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Delhi, are also famous for their street food. From kebabs and rolls to biryani and chaat, the streets are lined with vendors selling a variety of delicious snacks late night.
Hyderabad, for instance, has long been revered for its rich heritage and regal history. It was a city that stood as a testament to the architectural brilliance and cultural opulence of the bygone era. Its legacy is engraved in the pages of history. The reign of the Nizams saw the city flourish as a centre of art, literature, and architecture. The Nizams were patrons of art, literature, and architecture, leading to the development of a vibrant cultural scene in Hyderabad.
However, lately there has been a noticeable shift in the focus of the city’s youth. The once-proud cultural capital has taken a backseat to the emerging obsession with food, leading to concerns about their future and the dilution of its vibrant heritage as well.
While Hyderabad’s culinary delights, such as haleem and biryani, have always been renowned, the recent food obsession has reached unprecedented heights. The city’s gastronomic reputation has overshadowed its other aspects. It is disheartening to witness a city that was once celebrated for its diverse heritage now being primarily known for its delectable dishes.
One alarming aspect of this cultural shift in Hyderabad, is the rise of the late-night culture and obsession with food among the city’s youth. Instead of engaging in productive activities, many young individuals are caught up in a nocturnal routine of sleeping during the day and indulging in excessive eating during the night. This lifestyle not only takes a toll on the health but also hampers personal growth and potential contributions to society.
All thanks to the food influencers, bloggers and instagrammers who have significantly contributed to the growing late night food culture. No doubt these influencers have played a role in promoting city’s culinary scene, but they have gained immense popularity by showcasing and reviewing the food establishments. The visually appealing posts, videos enticing description and their positive recommendations have influenced the youth so much so that they encourage and indulge in late night food adventures.
Another concerning aspect of this cultural shift is observed in Ramadan. Traditionally, this month holds great religious significance for Muslims, marked by increased spirituality, prayer, and communal activities. However, there has been a noticeable trend where the shopping and food exploration is prioritized over religious practices during the nights of Ramadan. This behaviour not only deviates from the essence of the holy month but also leads to traffic congestion and inconvenience for others.
As the government, led by influential figures like Minister KTR strives to promote a work-centric culture and propel Hyderabad into a modern metropolis by inviting foreign investments, it is disheartening to see a significant section of the youth disconnected from this vision, and youth from other states and cities are the show runners from these advancements of the city.
The youths from other cities are actively engaging in professional development and representing their respective cities in various fields, it is disheartening to see the youth of Hyderabad predominantly associated with food culture.
In today’s competitive world, it is essential for young individuals to contribute to their city’s growth and showcase its diverse talents and accomplishments. By focusing solely on food and neglecting other avenues of personal and professional growth, the youth of Hyderabad are missing out on opportunities to represent their city in a more holistic and impactful manner.
The vibrancy of Hyderabad’s culture and its potential for growth are at risk of being overshadowed by an excessive preoccupation with food and nocturnal pursuits. Hyderabad’s cultural transformation from a city steeped in history, heritage, arts and education to one fixated on food and late-night indulgence is a cause for concern. There is a need to recognize the balance by embracing the opportunities presented by the modern world.
Furthermore, community leaders also play a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of Hyderabad. It is imperative that they take a proactive stance in addressing this issue and encourage a more well-rounded approach in encouraging the youth to explore beyond the realm of food and late-night indulgence.
Shoeb A. Siddiqi is a contributor at The Milli Chronicle, is a Construction Manager at Hyderabad. He holds Master’s in Construction Technology and is currently pursuing studies in Law as well. He tweets under @ShoebASiddiqi.
Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not reflect Milli Chronicle’s point-of-view.
