Markets abuzz with activity ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr

SRINAGAR — People from all walks of life are thronging the city markets, malls and traditional bazaars to complete their shopping ahead of the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

While readymade and footwear showrooms witnessed customers, especially females, in large numbers, shoppers beelined mutton shops and bakery outlets as well. Popular markets such as Maharaja Bazar, Goni Khan, Batamaloo, Lal Chowk in uptown Srinagar and Maharaj Gunj, Nowhatta Jamia Market in the Downtown witnessed huge rush of people.

Amid 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 loot and authorities are giving them a free hand,” said Hilal Ahmad, a shopper.

While people made purchases from showrooms in the city-centre markets of the summer capital, vendors who had set up their kiosks on arterial roads such as between TRC Junction to Hari Singh High Street and even Batamaloo did brisk business.

Purchase of home furnishing and home decoration products ahead of forthcoming Eid is also a common sight. “Products such as dry fruit bowls, paintings, wall art, flower vases are among the popular goods,” said a vendor Nazir Ahmad.

Ahead of Eid, furnishing shops are also witnessing considerable footfall. “Since there is a drop in sales during Ramadhan, a boom in purchase of home furnishing is witnessed just ahead of Eid every year,” said the owner of a furnishing showroom.

Meanwhile, a popular selling product ahead of Eid is mobile phones, especially touch screen smartphones.

However, the paucity of parking spaces, with hordes of beggars chasing anyone alighting from cars and rickshaws made the otherwise pleasant shopping experience a bit tiresome, especially for men who were accompanying their better halves.