Shoppers throng markets for Eid preparation

Srinagar Dec 06: Apprehending major restrictions by the state authorities in wake of polling in 18 constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir assembly tomorrow, people preparing for Eid festival were on a shopping spree here on Saturday.
Huge rush of buyers was seen outside bakeries, confectionery stores, garments shops and at all prominent market places, especially, at cattle market for selecting goats and sheep for sacrifice on the day of Eidul Azha.
"We are not sure if we will be able to move out of our homes tomorrow as the government had imposed curfew on all previous election days. So it is time to stock," Bashir Ahmad Bhat, a customer waiting for his turn to buy bakery, said.
Muslims across the world will celebrate Eid on Tuesday by slaughtering millions of animals to mark the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim, who had offered sacrifice of his son Prophet Ismail to the Almighty.
Dealers have been given special permission to sell animals at many places in the city, including Eidgah, Exhibition Crossing, Parimpora, Rambagh and Barzulla, while Sheep Husbandry department of the government has also established outlets for sale of sacrificial animals.
Lal Chowk, Residency Road, Maharaja Bazaar, Goni Khan and markets at all district headquarters wore a festive look but the heavy rush also resulted in massive traffic jams in the city.
The shopkeepers are hopeful of doing brisk business today as they lost yesterday's business to the "undeclared curfew" imposed by authorities to thwart the separatists' plan of holding protest rallies after Friday prayers.
"A week ahead of the Eid is the peak business time for most of us but yesterday was lost and for tomorrow there is no hope," Shabir Ahangar, a readymade garments dealer, said.
"Sunday has now become curfew day for Kashmir in view of elections which have been held on three consecutive Sundays," Abdul Ahad, who sells second hand blankets, said. (PTI)