Change!

Last year, when I went there, it was different. I walked from the famous landmark nearby through the street market to the gates of the complex. The first thing I noticed was the hundreds of pigeon feeding on the empty courtyard. Then once in a while a few kids would try to catch the pigeons; and the pigeons would flutter away for a while. Some kids would go too close to the pond in the middle of the courtyard, and their parents, till now not bothered about their kid's safety, would hurry up and bring their kids closer. Even the guard at the massive gates was friendly. I asked him "Can I take photographs inside?". He answered "Please do, Sir" in a manner which only meant "What's stopping you?". There were a few people heading out after offering their prayers. A cleaner trying to keep the complex clean. Everything was relaxed.

Now, I read, its different at Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad.