During the holy month of Ramadan, the narrow lanes of Resham Gali in Hyderabad come alive with shoppers preparing for Eid-ul-Fitr. The bustling street fills with women browsing colorful bangles, jewelry, and traditional footwear, while shopkeepers enthusiastically call out to customers in one of the city’s busiest traditional markets.
Once famous for its silk trade, Resham Gali has gradually transformed into a vibrant marketplace connected to the historic Shahi Bazaar. Today, visitors flock to the area to purchase everything from glass bangles and imitation jewelry to embroidered clothing and traditional Hyderabadi khussas.
From the main road, the market appears to slope uphill, with rows of small shops lining the narrow street. Walking up the lane can feel like climbing a small hill, while descending is much easier. However, the real challenge for shoppers is navigating through the dense crowds that gather here daily.
At peak hours, the lane becomes so packed that even motorcycles and rickshaws struggle to pass. During Ramadan evenings, when families head out after iftar for Eid shopping, the crowds swell further, making it difficult to move through the busy bazaar.
The market’s name reflects its historic roots in the silk trade. In earlier decades, the area was known for silk fabrics and weaving, but over time it evolved into a broader retail hub offering a wide variety of products, particularly items popular among women.
Today, the long and narrow street is filled with shops selling colorful bangles, cosmetics, handbags, imitation jewelry, and traditional Hyderabadi khussas. The lively atmosphere, filled with bargaining customers and shopkeepers calling out deals, captures the essence of Hyderabad’s old bazaars.
Local trader Muhammad Nadeem says bangles remain one of the most popular items in the market.
“People come here from far away because they can buy bangles at reasonable prices,” he said, noting that many shoppers prefer traditional markets over modern shopping malls.
According to Nadeem, the bazaar was established around 1980, although the area had been a trading hub even earlier. He also highlighted the reputation of Hyderabad’s bangles for their durability and vibrant colors, saying they retain their shine even after years of use.
The market also operates as a key part of a larger supply chain. Nadeem explained that bangles are produced in nearby factories before being supplied to wholesalers and retailers in Resham Gali, making it one of the region’s major wholesale centers for bangles.
Another trader, Muhammad Shahid, who has been selling traditional khussas in the market since 1988, described Resham Gali as one of Hyderabad’s most well-known shopping destinations.
“This is a very famous bazaar where you can find almost everything,” he said. “Customers visit daily because they know they will get what they need.”
According to Shahid, the market is particularly known for Hyderabadi bangles, embroidered clothing, and traditional accessories.
Like many historic bazaars across Pakistan, Resham Gali becomes especially vibrant during Ramadan as families prepare for Eid celebrations. Shahid noted that the market becomes extremely crowded during the holy month.
“During Ramzan this bazaar gets very busy,” he said. “Women come here in large numbers because it is considered a ladies’ shopping market where they can find everything in one place.”
