Srinagar: As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, there has been a notable surge in the demand for fragrances also known as attar, or non-alcoholic perfumes, throughout the markets across the Kashmir Valley.
Junaid Ahmad, a local attar vendor, informed Rising Kashmir that since the commencement of Ramadan, the demand for attar has significantly increased in the marketplace.
“I sell non-alcoholic perfumes to individuals outside the mosques during prayer times. People mostly explore various types of attars, particularly during Ramadan and religious celebrations such as Eid-ul-Fitr,” Junaid said.
He said that during the sacred month of Ramadan, the consumption of alcohol and its derivatives is forbidden, leading to a heightened demand for non-alcoholic perfumes.
“I bought ‘Attar’ from city centre Lal Chowk for the occasion of Eid, as the attar I purchased is in great demand, that is why I decided to buy it,” said Gulzar Ahmad Magray, a customer from Srinagar.
To add to the Eid festivities, Kashmir is currently witnessing a remarkable rise in the popularity of mehandi (henna).
Women in large numbers, including young girls, gather around talented henna artists to adorn their hands with intricate designs that reflect celebration and cultural heritage.
Bushra Jan, a young girl from Budgam, mentioned that market vendors have observed a significant increase in the sales of henna cones and related items as Eid approaches.
“There are numerous styles and variations of mehndi, commonly referred to as henna. Traditionally, women apply mehndi to their hands and feet for festive occasions, although some prefer to focus on hand designs, which enhance the beauty and appeal of their hands,” she stated.
Jan noted that in Kashmir, mehndi has been predominantly used during wedding ceremonies and other significant events. However, in the lead-up to Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslim women in Kashmir Valley are applying mehndi to their hands, hair, and feet, resulting in a heightened demand for this art form.
“There are many female mehndi artists who earn their living through this craft. Some women promote their services on social media platforms, attracting customers for Eid. Most of these artists operate from shops, where they create popular mehndi designs for their clientele,” Bushra added.
In rural areas, women, especially young girls, flock to local markets to buy mehndi cones and create trendy designs on the hands of their siblings and friends. This tradition brings immense excitement and joy to them.
Iqra, a young girl from a rural area, said that applying mehndi on Eid gives them great happiness. She and her siblings visit local market, buy mehndi, return home, and start decorating their hands with intricate designs.
She added that mehndi holds a special significance, making Eid even more joyful for children. She and her siblings eagerly anticipate Eid, looking forward to the celebrations for a long time.
