EAMADAN is a sacred month for the Muslims. Muslims all over the wait for this month eagerly. It is the month of sanctity and all try to display their best in everything they do — from their social exchanges with others to their devotion to God. It is nice to see that, at least for once every year, people make an effort to be their best.

This feeling of goodwill brings about many changes in the general life of the citizens. People don’t eat in public out of respect for the month, most remember their duty to control their tongues as they are fasting. People who don't have a habit of carrying out their religious duties (such as offering prayers) are found to pray dutifully. Some people give more alms than usual etc. If is good to note that most changes are positive in nature.

One significant complaint in ttos.tifeqf RWSfc citizens in this metropbns:‘-howevei>.' is the'' rising, price otl essebtial com-' n^dittqs. Inina^ Arab countries Ramadarf marks q season of Special offers in food, clothes and most other commodities. As a result demand soars up sharply leading to an overall good profit for all entrepreneurs. In a city like ours however Ramadan is seen in a different light. It is the time when traders decide to hike up the prices of almost everything — from fish to vegetables to

clothes to imitation jewellery. People are forced to continue buying most eatables at the inflated prices. And with Ed-ul-Fitr, one of the greatest festivals of Muslims, in horizon, prices of other items must also go up. So profits here are definitely one sided, and we all know which side that is.

Even from the general point of view. Ramadan is a period when another side of people come to view. The more affluent run into a competition to outdo each other in their display of generosity. Stories oi how many sets of clothes each one has been able to give away dominate table talks. The gesture is definitely beneficial and in line with religion. However, the intentions may be questionable.

Another thing that we witness very often in this month is the distribution of food to friends, neighbours and relatives. Exchanges of Iftar may be g. gesture of, good neighbourliness but It would berhScrt better and more rewarding; tT distribute sych food rnoYe,,o(tqn among the poor, who mostly so without food. And'most of alb it is for this very reason. Ramadan and fasting had to be there; to remind us of the poor's plight. Can there be a better time than this to share with the less affluent! Considering all. one must definitely agree that. Ramadan is certainly a month ot very different lifestyle in this city.