As the countdown to Eid has begun, markets across the Valley, including the summer capital Srinagar, wore a festive look today as people came out in large numbers to shop. Residents thronged the markets in the Valley to buy groceries, clothes and eatables.
Eid-ul-Fitr which marks the end of Ramazan is scheduled to be celebrated in the Valley on Monday (June 26), depending on the appearance of the moon.
The business hub Lal Chowk, Goni Khan and Maharaja Bazaar in the city witnessed a heavy rush of shoppers, leading to traffic chaos on all major routes. Traffic policemen had a tough time managing the traffic today.
“This time, locals are buying things in advance because the situation continues to be uncertain,” said Nazir Ahmad, a shopkeeper who sells readymade garments.
As the roads witness heavy traffic jams, some locals said they prefer to shop during the evening as the rush of shoppers lessens during that time.
People were mostly seen buying bakery, confectionery, toys and clothes.
“We suffered a lot due to the continuous curfews and shutdowns during the unrest last year, but for the last one week, the sales have been good,” said Shania Afzal, who runs a boutique in Srinagar’s commercial hub Lal Chowk.
Meanwhile, residents were also seen preparing for Shab-e-Qadr (night of power), which falls on the 27th night of the fasting month (Thursday). Muslims pray throughout this night as it is considered the holiest night in the last 10 days of Ramazan.
Although the government has banned vendors from setting up stalls on the roads, at many places, vendors had displayed their merchandise on roads.
As the rush of shoppers is expected to increase in the coming days, Traffic Department officials say that they will regulate traffic to the commercial hub Lal Chowk.
Markets across Valley abuzz with shoppers, ahead of Eid
