As the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, the markets of Kashmir valley have come alive with an overwhelming rush of shoppers. The festive spirit is palpable across the Valley, with people flocking to buy new clothes, footwear, bakeries, sweets and other essentials for the grand celebration. From bustling streets in Srinagar to smaller marketplaces in remote districts, the excitement is evident as families prepare to mark the end of Ramadan. The surge in shoppers has given a much-needed boost to local businesses. Shopkeepers, especially those dealing in garments, footwear and traditional delicacies, are by and large witnessing an increase in sales. However, some shopkeepers are complaining that the sales are depressed, while others feel that offline shopping has nevertheless been affected ever since the popularity of online shopping. Street vendors selling bangles, henna and artificial jewelry are also doing brisk business, as young girls line up to adorn their hands with intricate mehendi designs. Alongside this festive excitement, concerns over rising prices are dampening the enthusiasm of many shoppers. Inflation has hit hard, with the cost of clothes, footwear and household essentials seeing a sharp increase. Many shoppers, as per media reports, have expressed frustration over price hikes, making it difficult for lower-income families to shop freely. While traders attribute this rise to increased transportation costs and inflation, there is a growing demand for government intervention to regulate prices, especially during festival seasons. If left unchecked, these price hikes could create financial stress for many households, turning a moment of joy into one of worry. Another challenge that accompanies the festive rush is traffic congestion. Major markets in Srinagar, such as Lal Chowk, Residency Road and Polo View, are witnessing severe jams, making it difficult for both shoppers and commuters to move freely. Despite the deployment of additional traffic personnel, the sheer volume of vehicles continues to choke the roads. The administration should implement traffic management strategies, such as designated parking zones, one-way routes and encouraging public transport usage to ease the congestion. The rush is only set to increase as Eid draws closer, particularly at bakeries, meat shops, and chicken sellers. The sudden spike in demand often results in price surges, further burdening consumers. To prevent arbitrary price hikes, authorities should enforce strict monitoring of essential commodities, ensuring fair pricing so that people can celebrate without financial strain. Alongside fair pricing, the authorities must ensure that the quality and hygiene of eatables are maintained. It has often been noted that shopkeepers, roadside vendors and bakeries prepare items days and sometimes weeks ahead of Eid to deal with the heavy demand on the festive occasion. As a result, the quality of food items gets compromised. While the festive season brings joy and togetherness, it also presents economic and logistical challenges. The government must take serious measures to regulate prices, manage traffic and ensure smooth market operations. Both shoppers and shopkeepers can enjoy a hassle-free and festive Eid across the Valley if these concerns are addressed by the government.
Shopping Frenzy
