Muslims on Friday observed the first day of Ramzan, a month-long period during which they abstain from fo-od and liquids from dawn to dusk.

Thousands of people thronged the traditional markets, including Sabzibagh, Patna City and Raja Bazaar, to buy fruits and other food for the evening meal ( iftar). After offering the Friday prayer, the markets were chock-a-block and the streets were bustling with activity.

Makeshift shops popped-up at the market places, selling dates, perfumes and lachchas.

"This time, we are selling two dozen varieties of dates imported from Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Crown, barari, ajua, rehan, salam, kemya are the most sought-after dates with which the Muslims break their fast. They range between Rs 40 and Rs 2,000 depending on the quality and variety. Haldiram lachchas are in great demand, customers prefer to eat it at (morning) sehri meals," said Mohammad Raju, the owner of Patna Dry Fruits.

Roohafza and khas sharbat were also flying off the shelves. The bakeries in the city have geared up to make special bakarkhanees and nan rotis. Florescent flowers and glittery lights have been put up to attract customers.

Mohammed Riza-ul, the owner of Haji Bakery at Sabzibagh, said: "I hired more workers to prepare the two special rotis. Bakarkhanees and nan rotis are available in the range of Rs 35 to 150 and Rs 40 to Rs 80 per piece respectively. Special bakarkhanees, enriched with dry fruits, starts from Rs 150 depending on the size."

The hotels were turned into iftar meal-making shops. A kebab hotel at Ashok Rajpath was closed till noon and it started making iftar cuisines only after 2pm.

"We prepare baigani, onion pakoda, paneer pakoda, samosa, kebab parantha, kalakand, emerti, longlata, sheermaal and other cuisines," said Rahman, the hotel manager.

Apart from food, perfumes, too, sold in bulk.

A shopowner of Ghazipur Star Chemical Itar shop, Jamal Ahmed, said: "Light fragrance itar were the most sought after. Not only customers but also shopowners bought them for their outlets."?

Fruit sellers, too, made hay considering the pious occasion. Hemant, a fruit seller at Income Tax roundabout, said: "Papaya, mango, watermelon, pineapple and banana prices have jacked up by 5 per cent and is expected to go higher in a week or two."

Shahla, a resident of Boring Road, said: "Fruits and juice are the real iftari meal in the summer. This year, I am delighted that mangoes would be there the entire month."