In keeping up with the age-old tradition of preparing and distributing food during Muharram-ul-Haram, the faithful in the metropolis are cooking special dishes and sharing ‘Niaz’ as well. Among the dishes being prepared and distributed by the faithful are Daleem, Biryani, Gram Rice and Zarda. This food is then distributed as ‘Niaz’. While some people cook large quantities of food themselves, the rest usually rely on caterers to cook for them. However, owing to an increase in demand for catering this Muharram, more people are preparing homemade food to offer as Niaz. Daily Times learnt that people have been avoiding catering houses this year because of high rates. Sufi Ghulam Ali Durrani, who works as a chef, attributed the hike in pricing to spices becoming more expensive. “Preparing Daleem takes hours and it requires a lot of effort on the part of the chef. This is why a degh (big vat) of daleem costs Rs7000 to Rs10,000,” he explained. Since there is a high demand for catering, some businesses are also offering discounts during Muharram-ul-Haram in order to outdo other competing catering businesses. Published in Daily Times, September 21st 2018.