Srinagar, June 04: With Eid-ul-Adha just days away, markets across Srinagar are bustling with activity as residents flock to complete their festive shopping.
Key commercial hubs such as Lal Chowk, Goni Khan, Residency Road, and Maharaja Bazaar are witnessing brisk footfall as people shop for clothes, bakery items, sweets, and other essentials. However, despite the visible rush and festive atmosphere, many traders report that business activity remains subdued compared to previous years.
Shopkeepers and other business owners across the city say that while footfall has increased, actual sales are lagging far behind expectations. “There is a crowd, no doubt, but people are hesitant to spend. Sales are down by at least 60 to 80 percent compared to previous Eid seasons,” said Shabir Ahmad, a shopkeeper at Residency Road.
This slowdown in sales isn’t confined to just one sector. Traders across various segments — including apparel, footwear, jewellery, bakery, and even livestock — are noticing that customers are spending more cautiously this year. “We’re seeing a festive mood and some last-minute shopping, but the spending power of the average customer has clearly declined,” said Yasir Paray, another shopkeeper at Maharaja Bazaar.
“People come in, look around, and leave without buying much. Many are simply window shopping,” said Asim Khanday, a shopkeeper from Lal Chowk.
At Goni Khan market, one of the city’s oldest and most popular shopping destinations, shopkeepers reported a similar trend. “Eid has definitely brought some energy back to the market. We’re seeing more people on the streets, especially in the evenings,” said Farooq Ahmed, a vendor at Goni Khan. “But when it comes to actual transactions, it’s clear people are being very selective.”
Vendors in the area observed that shoppers are opting for more affordable items or scaling back on purchases altogether. “We used to sell entire suits and bundles of garments. Now people buy a single piece or ask for the lowest-priced items,” said Ashfaq Qadri, a garment seller.
Manzoor Ahmad Kar, spokesperson for the Goni Khan Traders Association, echoed the concerns, stating that while footfall has improved, sales figures remain disappointing. “While the atmosphere is festive, overall business is still not where it should be. People are cautious with their spending due to financial pressures, prioritizing basic necessities over festive shopping.”
Despite the subdued sales, bakeries across the city are witnessing steady demand, though not at the levels typically seen in previous years. Popular bakeries in Lal Chowk, Residency Road, and other busy markets continue to see long queues as customers stock up on cakes, cookies, and traditional sweets.
“Sales have picked up over the last few days. Cakes, walnut fudge, and special Eid cookies are in demand,” said Aijaz Dar, owner of a bakery chain in Srinagar. “Though it’s not like the boom we used to see a few years ago, the rush is there.”
However, bakery owners also noted that customers are being more selective in their purchases, often opting for smaller quantities or mid-range products instead of premium offerings. “The demand is steady, but the value of each transaction has gone down,” said Aijaz. “People are sticking to the basics — just enough to celebrate modestly.”
Meanwhile, at Eidgah, Srinagar’s largest livestock market, dozens of traders from across the valley have set up temporary stalls offering goats, sheep, and other animals for sacrifice. Despite the market’s hustle and bustle, many traders report a significant decline in sales this year.
Traditionally a hub for sacrificial animal trade in the lead-up to Eid-ul-Adha, the market is witnessing fewer transactions than usual. “We’ve brought in a variety of livestock, but footfall is down, and sales are sluggish,” said Naseer Wani, a trader from South Kashmir. “People are more cautious with their spending this year.”
“I’ve sold only 40 sheep this season, compared to over 100 during the same period last year,” added Shams Zargar, a sheep trader from Batamaloo. “People just don’t have the purchasing power they once had, and the demand is much lower.”
To make matters worse, recent rains have left large parts of the Eidgah mandi waterlogged, making it difficult for customers to navigate the area. “It’s hard for people to inspect animals properly when the ground is muddy,” said Ghulam Nabi, another sheep trader. “The weather has definitely hurt sales.”
Despite these challenges, the festive spirit remains strong. The streets are adorned with lights, and local residents continue to make their way through markets, eager to fulfill their Eid traditions. “We may not be able to spend as much as in previous years, but Eid is still a time to come together with family and friends. The spirit of the festival is what truly matters, and that’s something we all hold dear,” said Sabeena Qadri, a local resident from Srinagar.
As Srinagar prepares to celebrate Eid on June 7, traders are hoping for a last-minute sales boost. For now, the city stands at a crossroads — alive with festivity, yet weighed down by economic hardship.
