Ramadan sale cheers up Kashmir traders

Srinagar, Sep 10 (ANI): The sale of Islamic items such as rosaries, holy books, frankincense, kohl, skull cap and calligraphy has seen a sharp increase during the ongoing fasting month of Ramadan in Srinagar.

Shopkeepers are cashing in on the increased demand. Their sale has almost doubled as compared with normal days. They expect the business to rise even further by the end of the month.

"Calligraphy paintings are sold here throughout the year but the demand for them increases sharply during Ramadan. Skull caps, rosary, frankincense are also in big demand. The sale during Ramadan increases by 50 per cent as compared with normal days. If we normally sell things for Rupees 1,000 then during Ramadan the sale goes up to 15,000. The sale will be brisk towards the end of the month," says Reyaz Ahmad, a seller.

"During the month of Ramadan our attention is diverted to such things, for example, you can see a cap on my head. The demand for caps, 'miswak' sticks (to clean teeth), kohl, frankincense, rosary and Islamic books goes high," says Niyaz Allahi, a customer.

During Ramadan, Muslims try to abstain from carnal pleasures and addictions.

Muslims get up before dawn to eat Sahur (an early meal), and then stop eating and drinking known as Roza (fasting) until called for the fourth prayer of the day, Maghrib, at sunset time. (ANI)