RAWALPINDI: Eid bazaars and markets have been set up in the garrison city, though most people visit during the evenings due to the high temperatures.

Shoppers can be seen in the main shopping centres as well and shopkeepers have illuminated their shops and stalls with multi-coloured lights and put up other decorations to attract shoppers.

Makeshift stalls selling colourful bangles and jewellery have been set up and even the small corner shops in all localities are offering bangles to meet the local demand.

Eid shopping is now gaining momentum at the end of Ramazan. Traders said they were not expecting much business due to the temperature, security situation and economic recession.

“People usually tend to start their shopping after mid-Ramazan and the last week of the month are very busy,” said Mohammad Zafar, a shopkeeper in Saddar Bazaar.

He said most shopkeepers have not increased prices though. Low income families are still waiting to receive their salaries before they can shop for Eid.

A resident of the garrison city, Ahmed Raza said he has not started shopping for Eid yet as he has not received his salary. He said he will first buy things for his children and will buy new clothes for himself if he has money left over.

Many people also like to go to Eid bazaars to enjoy the festive environment.

“We do not usually like to go to the markets late at night but our children like going before Eid because there are so many lights and large crowds,” said Fauzia Tariq, who also added that she was scared of going to crowded bazaars after the terrorist attacks in Lahore.

Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2018