Srinagar, Apr 18: Ahead of Eid ulFitr, markets in Kashmir were bustling on a rainy Tuesday as residents went on a shopping binge in anticipation of Eid ul-Fitr, which will be celebrated later this week to commemorate the conclusion of the Muslim fasting month of Ramzan, according to officials.
Shop owners in the city core, Lal Chowk, reported seeing a good footfall of customers at bakeries, mutton outlets, chicken sellers, ready-made clothing businesses, and crockery stores.
Despite the rain, there was a tremendous rush at marketplaces around the city, and consumers flooded Lal Chowk, the city’s commercial centre. Despite the fact that it was Tuesday, there was a tonne of traffic along important streets like Lal Chowk, Dalgate, Nowhatta, and many other locations, and traffic cops struggled to control it. People could be seen purchasing a variety of goods in large numbers as Kashmir experienced a festive fever.
These days, with increased pedestrian and vehicular activity, the sight at the busy city hub Lal Chowk is considerably different. Large crowds of people could be seen shopping in the stores for food, clothing for children, hosiery, clothing for adults, and other necessities.
Children were frequently spotted shopping with their parents for items like clothing and toys. On the eve of Eid ul-Fitr, several stores have started to give discounts on purchases, especially those that deal with clothing and children’s apparel. The police have been finding it difficult to maintain a steady flow of vehicular traffic over the past few days due to the intense rush hour.
Ready-made and footwear showrooms witnessed customers, especially females, in large numbers. Popular markets such as Maharaja Bazar, Goni Khan, Batamaloo, Lal Chowk in uptown Srinagar, Maharaja Gunj, and Nowhatta Jamia Market at the Downtown witnessed huge rushes of people. Amid the huge rush, shoppers complained of overpricing of goods, especially food items.
They said authorities were not monitoring prices or taking action against profiteers. “Instead of providing festive discounts, shopkeepers are indulging in open looting, and authorities are giving them a free hand,” said Hilal Ahmad, a shopper.
