Sun, August 19, 2012
SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Muslims in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir Sunday thronged markets across the region for shopping purposes, ahead of Muslim festival, Eid-ul-Fitr.
Markets in the Muslim majority areas including Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, witnessed an unusual rush of shoppers.
The huge rush of vehicles on roads resulted in traffic jams on the city's roads.
The pavements meant for pedestrians remain occupied by street vendors, who have erected makeshift stalls to sell different items including vegetables, poultry birds, bakeries, toys, snacks, clothes, etc.
"I purchased mutton, confectionery and snacks for my family to celebrate this Eid," said Farmaan Hussain, one of the shoppers stuck in a traffic mess at the Lal Chowk area of Srinagar. "Today since early morning, there was a huge rush on roads."
Customers were eagerly waiting for their turn outside the city' s well-known bakery and confectionery shops that showcased different varieties of sweets, cakes and pastries.
The ready made clothes showrooms also witnessed streams of people purchasing new clothes for their children.
"On the eve of Eid, I buy new clothes for my two daughters," said Mubeena Akther. "It is a pleasure to see children wearing new clothes and then going for congregational prayers."
Reports from major towns and district headquarters also said markets were bustling with shoppers purchasing eatables and new clothes.
The Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in this part of world on Monday. In Arab world and Middle East, Eid is being celebrated today.
Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan.
Indian-controlled Kashmir has been reeling under conflict and violence since 1989. A guerrilla war is also going on between militants and Indian troops stationed in the region.
