Hyderabad: With the Holy month of Ramadan round the corner, foodies are eagerly waiting for Ramadan’s favourite delicacy, Haleem. Even as earthen bhattis are being readied at restaurants across the city to prepare the Haleem, relished by Muslims and non-Muslims alike, a section of foodies are busy debating its etymology.
Discussions are on, at homes and restaurants as well as on social media on, ‘what the dish should and should not be called?’
Some are firm on rechristening of the delicacy saying that Haleem is the attribute of Allah and that it is disrespectful to name a food item after the Almighty, while others believe that the debate is unnecessary. Those who are in favour of renaming the dish, claim that the daleem is derived from dalya, or oats, and therefore, should be renamed.
This debate is reignited before each Ramadan. Memes are made asking people to call it Daleem instead of Haleem. One such meme, which is doing the rounds on social media, reads thus: “Its daleem, not Haleem. Please pronounce the name correctly.” It further argues that Haleem is the name of Allah and that it should not be disrespected.
Those who don’t want to involve in the Haleem or Daleem debate, can call it Harees to be on safe side.