Culture

The City has evolved into a cosmopolitan society due to the heavy presence of the Information technology Industry while maintaining ancient culture and traditions. Historically, Hyderabad has been the city where distinct cultural and linguistic traditions of North India and South India meet. Hyderabadis, as residents of the city are known, have developed a distinctive culture which is a mixture of Hindu and Muslim traditions.

Women of all cultures and faiths in Hyderabad typically wear either the traditional Indian dress, the saree, or, increasingly, the Salwar Kameez especially among the younger population. One of Hyderabad's public carnivals is the annual immersion of Lord Ganesh idols after the 10 day Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations on Ananta Chaturdashi(locally known as the Ganesh Nimajjanam). It is a spectacular event and attracts many foreigners every year. Bonalu is a vernacular festival that is celebrated with great fervour.The Hyderabadi Muslims favourite holy month is Ramzan in which every Muslim keep fasting for a month and after Eid-Ul-Fitr which is celebrated with full of joy by everyone and this day a traditional sweet is made known as Sheer Qorma. Another is the procession of Muharram which takes place every year 10th Muharram (1st month of Islamic calendar). While this event is mourned throughout the Shia Muslim world , the old city of Hyderabad, known as Charminar is famed for its grand procession in which participants sacrifice their own blood by hitting on their heads, chest and back with sharp edge weapons (knives, swords and knives attached to chains).