Hyderabad, June 22 -- If haleem defines Ramzan in Hyderabad, dum-ke-roat heralds the arrival of Muharram. The moment the crescent indicating the month of mourning is sighted, bakeries across Hyderabad begin preparing one of the city's most cherished seasonal delicacies. Crunchy, sweet and shared by all, dum-ke-roat has become an inseparable part of Muharram in Hyderabad's Old City and beyond.

Like haleem, dum-ke-roat has no religion. Though it is closely associated with Muharram, the sweet baked delicacy has crossed all religious boundaries. In fact, all get united by dum-ke-roat. Hindus, Muslims, Christians and people from various communities eagerly await the season to relish its unique taste. Food lovers visit bakeries in large number...