Countdown to Eid fills markets with eager buyers

Srinagar, Mar 26: The countdown to Eid-ul-Fitr has begun and markets seem to have swung from the winter hibernation to a hyper-mode.

The historic and popular markets, and the new and upcoming shopping locations are teeming with shoppers from across Kashmir. The calls of vendors adds an extra dash of hyperactivity to the commercial activities.

From old city markets around Jamia Masjid, the central and popular shopping places in Lal Chowk to budget-friendly vends around Hari Singh High Street, the buzz of Eid is unmissable these days. While the women are seen shopping for Eid dresses, footwear, kitchen-ware, the younger of them can be seen hustling around shops and vendors selling junk jewellery and accessories. Men could be seen shopping for home furnishing items and even electrical appliances. For people in Kashmir, Eid is a perfect  and preferred occasion for new beginnings of every kind – for wardrobes and for various corners of home.

Upto Shab-e-Qadr, shoppers are seen buying kitchen essentials, rugs, mats, cushions, curtains, tableware, clothes, shoes, and more. The hustle of these items dies down as the last countdown to Eid-ul-Fitr begins with Shab-e-Qadr, falling on the same day as Jummat-ul-Wida holiday. Then begins the race for securing a variety of savories, cookies and cakes for the Eid feast. The shopping is made more high-octane by queuing up for the indispensable mutton, chicken and cheese for various dishes that will be served to the family, relatives and friends. Eid is a major socializing occasion, in addition to being the most important religious festival for Muslims across the globe. In Kashmir, it will also mark the beginning of the season of engagements and weddings, which see a long halt during the cold months.

This year, however, shoppers were seen facing an unusual challenge – the indecisive weather. As days oscillate between warm and chilly, sunny and rainy, and nights continue to cling to a single digit note on mercury, people were seen discussing the dilemma on what to get as ‘The Eid Dress’. Many women were seen discussing the weather with the garment sellers, mostly struggling to figure out whether a summer outfit would be comfortable or a little warmer outfit would be deemed weather-appropriate.

The sellers Greater Kashmir spoke to shared the experience. “This year, Eid falls on the cusp of winter-spring. Some women are going for warmer options like velvets, while others are taking the bold step of choosing a summer dress,” said Dawood Mohammad, a garment seller in Srinagar. Mohammad Younis, who owns a kids outfit store, said for kids a sweater or a light jacket shopping has been a must while parents chose from blingy attire for children. Many shoppers preferred waiting for the last few days to Eid, he said, to be in a better position to choose children’s outfits.

Weather predictions have an optimistic view of Eid ul Fitr, expected to be sunny with day temperatures touching 20C.