Eid brings cheer to markets in Kashmir valley

Srinagar, Oct 2: Markets were abuzz with Muslim residents going on a marketing spree on the occasion of Eid. Locals as well as people from far and near thronged the markets to shop amidst the rush of jostling and haggling for a bargain price.

Clothes, food items including meat, chicken, vegetables and confectionery besides toys for children were high in demand of almost every other family.

"Everyone is out on streets. Street is buzzing with kids, ladies and elders. Most of the shopping is for the kids. Kids have made lots of demands and we are shopping for them. For myself, I have bought a shawl. Eid is a festival of joy. After Ramadan is Shukrana (thanksgiving) and Namaz we all will have a feast," says Nazir, a shopper.

Markets in both the up-market Civil Lines area and the densely populated localities elsewhere were full of shopping families with children in tow.

Hosiery stores and even provision stores announced special discounts for the buyers this festive season to ensure maximum sales.

Some shopkeepers, on their part, claimed to have recorded profit to the extent of four times the normal sales.

"People buy eatables, clothes and many other things for Eid. We earn almost Rs. 5,000 - 6,000 on normal days. But during Eid, by God's grace the business has increased 3-4 times," opines Parvez Butt, a shopkeeper in Srinagar.

Bakery shops are virtually jam-packed with customers. Similar huge crowd wishing to choose the best of meat portions could be witnessed at the meat-sellers stalls.

Delicious dishes, which Kashmiris cook on occasions such as Eid, are a major charm for everyone on this occasion.

"You can see there is much of hustle and bustle in the market. People prefer to shop eatables these days. Most of the people are buying eatables, clothes for kids and almost all of us are spending lots of money," said Muzaffer Mufti, another local shopping to celebrate Eid.

Special stalls showcasing Eid accoutrements like bangles, henna, cosmetics and jewelry have been set up at many shopping centres.

Among other outlets frequented by hundreds of customers are those selling cosmetics, domestic gadgets and also a wide range of shoes and other footwear.

ANI