Srinagar, July 20: Markets in Srinagar city and its outskirts Friday witnessed an unusual rush of people on the eve of holy month of Ramadan.
While Muhammad Sultan’s vegetable store at Amira Kadal was empty by afternoon, the local watermelon vendor had his last fruit cut at 5:30 pm.
Vegetable sellers witnessed a grand sale. “Not only did people buy vegetables but they had a little more in the shopping list: fresh dates which we had received a day before, mushrooms and lemons,” said Muhammad Sultan.
Sultan said more varieties of dates will be available from Saturday. “Whatever stock we had has already finished. People as well as retailers took dates in large quantity. We are receiving fresh stock of dates tomorrow,” he said.
By 5:30 pm a vendor at Amira Kadal had sold more than 3000 local ice creams. More people were seen bee-lining. “As if people have never eaten an ice-cream,” the neighboring shopkeeper said. “They won’t get to eat it in day time for a month now,” another shopkeeper said.
Asked would he keep his shop open during the month of Ramadan, the ice-cream vendor answered in negative. “In the past months I have done a great business. And there are no chances of me keeping the shop open during Ramadan,” he said.
Mutton and wholesale shopkeepers also witnessed a remarkable rush of both retailers as well as shoppers. “We are taking necessary items for our shop at Sopore. We have shopped many items like spices, vegetables and fruits. Our customers are waiting for us there,” said Lateef Ahmad of Sopore.
Whether it was garments or perfume (Attar), people shopped for every small or big thing. “I don’t want anything to remain pending,” said Rubeena of Nawakadal.
Restaurants and hotels also witnessed an extraordinary number of customers. Students were seen partying for the last time before Ramadan. “As this is the last day to eat in day’s time we are going to party. Tomorrow everyone among us will be on fast,” said a group of postgraduate students.
Ration and gas depots also witnessed a jam-packed rush of customers.
Outside Masjids in city and outskirts, booksellers, perfume and skullcap sellers had placed their stalls while prayer timing charts were sold out early.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 20 Jul 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 20 Jul 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 21 Jul 2012 00:00:00 IST