Hyderabad: What began as a convenient bike taxi and parcel delivery service has now found an unusual festive application in the Twin Cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
This Bakrid, app-based courier services like Rapido bikes were seen zipping across localities carrying neatly packed parcels of qurbani ka gosht-meat from sacrificial animals distributed among relatives, friends and the poor during Eid-ul-Adha.
A practical delivery option amid soaring heat
From the bustling lanes of Charminar to the residential colonies of Secunderabad, and from Tolichowki to Begumpet, Rapido riders remained busy delivering meat packets through the day.
For many families, the app-based parcel service proved to be a practical and affordable option amid soaring temperatures and long travel distances.
Traditionally, Muslims personally visit relatives and acquaintances to hand over portions of the sacrificial meat, a gesture considered an important social and emotional aspect of Eid-ul-Adha. However, changing lifestyles, traffic congestion and the scorching summer heat have encouraged many to adopt quicker and easier alternatives.
Saving time and energy required for delivery
"In view of the intense heat, I decided to send the qurbani meat through Rapido instead of sending someone all the way," said Nikhat Naaz, a resident of Golconda. "It cost me barely Rs 100 to send the parcel to my parents in Red Hills. The meat reached fresh and on time."
Several residents echoed similar sentiments, saying the service helped save time and energy on a hectic festival day when families are occupied with sacrifice, cutting, packing and distribution work.
"Earlier we used to spend almost the whole day visiting different parts of the city to distribute meat. This time we used Rapido for relatives living far away while personally visiting nearby families," said Mohammed Faheem of Mehdipatnam. "It is convenient, economical and fast," he said.
Growing popularity of app-based parcel delivery in Hyderabad
Rapido's growing popularity for parcel delivery has already transformed the way Hyderabadis send documents, homemade food and gifts across the city. Bakrid added yet another item to that list-packets of freshly packed mutton wrapped carefully in containers and bags.
Many riders said festival deliveries increased sharply on Thursday. Some admitted they were surprised to discover the nature of the parcels they were transporting.
"We carried several food packets and meat parcels since morning," said a Rapido rider near Nampally. "People wanted quick delivery because they had to distribute the meat to many homes before evening."
Tradition of personal visit is still important
Despite the convenience, however, many families continued to uphold the old tradition of personally handing over the meat, believing that human warmth and social bonding cannot be replaced by an app.
"It is not merely about delivering meat," said Sameer, a resident of Chandrayangutta in the Old City. "It is about meeting relatives, exchanging greetings and strengthening family ties. Many elders in the family feel bad if the meat is sent through a parcel service," he said.
For several Hyderabadis, the personal visit remains deeply woven into the spirit of Eid-ul-Adha. Families often use the occasion to reconnect with relatives, spend time together and renew bonds over cups of tea and festive meals.
Traditions adapting to modern convenience
"Personal touch matters a lot," remarked Sameena Begum of Yakutpura. "When someone comes home personally with qurbani meat, it carries affection and blessings along with it."
Still, changing urban realities appear to be reshaping traditions in subtle ways. With app-based services becoming deeply integrated into daily life, even religious and cultural practices are adapting to modern convenience.
This Bakrid, the familiar sight of Rapido riders navigating Hyderabad's crowded streets with insulated food bags and carefully tied parcels reflected how technology and tradition are increasingly sharing the same road-even in matters of faith and festivity.