Hyderabad, Feb. 24 -- Ramzan is about fasting, not feasting. But in Hyderabad, at least, the latter appears to be true. The deeper purpose of reflection and spiritual renewal often gets overshadowed by a culture of indulgence that seems to grow stronger with each passing year.

In Hyderabad, the holy month is marked not only by devotion and prayer, but also by crowded bazars, elaborate feasts and nights that pulse with festive energy. What is intended as a period of restraint and introspection increasingly resembles a season of indulgence. No wonder the late Moulana Hameeduddin Aaqil Husami was once asked by a man: When does your month of eating begin?

From day one, mosques and markets overflow with activity. As the days progress, the pa...