Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, May 26: Markets across Kashmir witnessed massive crowds today as shoppers thronged commercial hubs ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, with sacrificial animal markets, bakeries, garment stores, and women’s markets remaining packed throughout the day.
The heaviest rush was witnessed at livestock markets set up across Srinagar and other districts, where buyers flocked since early morning to purchase sacrificial animals.
Traders said the crowds peaked a day ahead of Eid, though the sale and purchase of sacrificial animals is expected to continue during the three days of Eid, when the ritual sacrifice is performed.
At several markets, buyers were seen negotiating prices of sheep, goats, and other animals amid complaints of steep rates and lack of uniform pricing.
“We have been visiting different mandies for the last two days, and prices vary everywhere. There is no uniformity in rates,” said Mohammad Yousuf, a resident shopping for an animal with his family.
Another buyer, Bilal Ahmad, said inflation had affected Eid preparations this year.
“People still try to fulfil the religious obligation, but rising costs have forced many families to cut spending on other things,” he said.
Livestock dealers attributed the increase in prices to higher transportation costs, expensive fodder, and overall inflation.
“The cost of rearing animals has gone up significantly this year. Transport charges, feed, and labour expenses have all increased, which has directly impacted market prices,” said Ghulam Nabi, a livestock dealer at the Eidgah market.
Another trader said demand had remained strong despite the high prices.
“There is good business this year as well. People are coming in large numbers, especially from urban areas,” he added.
Apart from livestock markets, bakery shops and clothing stores also witnessed heavy footfall as families rushed to complete last-minute Eid shopping.
Traditional bakeries remained crowded throughout the day, with customers purchasing bread, cakes, and other festive items.
Garment shops in Lal Chowk, Residency Road, Nowhatta, and other commercial centres also witnessed a heavy rush, particularly of youngsters and children buying new clothes for the festival.
“Buying new clothes and eatables for Eid is a tradition, and children eagerly wait for it, but prices seem to have gone up since Eid-ul-Fitr,” said Shabnam Jan, a shopper at a city market.
Markets catering exclusively to women and girls, such as the Goni Khan market and a makeshift market near Jamia Masjid, also remained packed till late evening.
Women were seen purchasing jewellery, cosmetics, and accessories, while beauty parlours and henna stalls witnessed a huge rush as young girls queued up to get intricate mehndi designs applied ahead of Eid celebrations.
Meanwhile, the administration and civic bodies said elaborate arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth Eid-ul-Adha celebrations across the Valley.
Officials said special sanitation drives had been launched in major towns and around Eidgahs, while additional manpower and vehicles had been deployed for waste collection.
Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo said the administration has put in place elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth and peaceful Eid-ul-Adha celebrations across the district, particularly at major congregational venues such as Hazratbal and Soura.
“We will ensure smooth and peaceful Eid celebrations without any inconvenience to the public. Maximum civic services will be provided to the people,” Labroo said, adding that all necessary arrangements have already been put in place at key Eidgahs and prayer venues.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
