Srinagar, Mar 18: Defying incessant rains and inclement weather, a massive surge of shoppers was witnessed in the markets of Kashmir Valley on Wednesday as people flocked to make last-minute purchases for Eid-ul-Fitr.
Eyewitnesses told Kashmir Convener that major shopping hubs, including Lal Chowk, Maisuma, and Bohri Kadal in Srinagar, were teeming with crowds despite the slippery roads and intermittent showers. The aroma of freshly baked biscuits and the chatter of bargaining filled the air, creating a festive chaos that the rain could not dampen.
Ghulam Mohammad, a shopper from central Kashmir’s Budgam, told Kashmir Convener, “The rains are a hassle, but we cannot go home empty-handed on Eid. The children have been waiting for new clothes.”
Another shopper, Aisha Jan, who traveled from Sopore with her family to the city, said, “The weather didn’t look promising this morning, but we had no choice. We still need to buy sweets and gifts for the elders. The spirit of the market pulls you in regardless of the rain.”
“We’ve been planning this shopping trip for a week. Rain won’t stop us from getting our Eid outfits,” said one of them, Zoya Rather, a college student.
Readymade garment shops, bakeries famous for traditional Sheer Khurma ingredients, fruit stalls, and meat and dairy product vendors reported a spike in footfall. Vendors selling chicory-coloured Pherans and embroidered suits did brisk business as the mercury dipped due to the rains.
At a bustling bakery in Regal Chowk, the manager, Farooq Nathoo, said, “We have been making batches of Sevaiyan and special Eid cookies non-stop since morning. The rain actually brings a chill, so people want to stock up on sweets to enjoy at home.”
However, amidst the visible rush, local traders expressed mixed feelings. While the physical markets are buzzing, shop owners rued that the tide of e-commerce platforms has significantly dented their profit margins during the holy month.
“The crowds look good, but people often come to check sizes in our shops and then order online. The charm of physical shopping during Ramadan is being killed by discounts on the internet,” lamented Bashir Ahmad, a readymade garment dealer in downtown Srinagar.
Mohammed Sadiq, a dry fruit merchant near Lal Chowk, said, “Yes, there is a crowd, but the spending power is less this year. People are buying only the essentials—dates and almonds—in smaller quantities. They are comparing our prices with online apps right in front of us.”
Despite the challenges posed by both weather and changing consumer habits, the atmosphere in the old city remained festive.
For the street vendors, the last few days are a crucial opportunity to make a living. “I set up my stall of artificial jewellery and bangles at 9 in the morning. My feet are wet, but if I don’t sell today, my children’s Eid is spoiled,” said Haseena Begum, a vendor huddled under a large plastic sheet in the Maisuma market.
Meanwhile, a young couple emerged from a shoe store, satisfied with their purchase. “We managed to get a good deal on shoes for my husband. Bargaining is still best done face-to-face,” smiled Fatima Bano, holding a bright red shopping bag. Her husband added, “The online sites don’t have this atmosphere—the chai, the crowd, the lights. This is what Eid is all about.”
“Look at this crowd. It is the heartbeat of Srinagar. For us, Eid isn’t just about the sale; it’s about the vibe. Even if they walk away with just one item, we are happy to see the city alive tonight,” said Bilal Ahmad Lone, a footwear shop owner on Residency Road.
Bakeries and stores selling confectioneries said business was good, but not without its share of worries.
“There has been a mushrooming of cloud kitchens where baking enthusiasts sell their products online during major festivals like Eid. I will not comment on quality, but yes, they offer better prices as their overhead costs are minimal and they deliver to doorsteps,” said Jehangir Khan, a bakery owner in uptown Srinagar.
Cloud kitchen operators defend their products, saying that ultimately, the customer will decide whether a particular venture is successful or not.
“Cloud kitchens like mine survive on repeat orders. If customers don’t like the products, they will not buy again. However, if they are coming back for our confectioneries again and again, it only means we are offering value for money,” said Noor Fatima, who runs a homegrown bakery in old Srinagar.
Meanwhile, the surge of shoppers resulted in traffic jams in some areas, particularly along the routes where crowds thronged to make their purchases.
The influx of shoppers posed challenges for law enforcement officials tasked with managing traffic flow.
In response to concerns raised by shoppers, officials from the food department assured that market-checking squads had been deployed across Srinagar and other areas of the valley. These teams had reportedly imposed fines on traders found violating price regulations. “If they [shoppers] find any trader or shopkeeper selling commodities at higher prices, they should contact us. We will take action against them,” stated an official of the food department to Kashmir Convener.
Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the culmination of the fasting month of Ramzan, will be celebrated on Friday or Saturday, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.
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