Srinagar: Markets across Kashmir Valley witnessed heavy rush with thousands of people flooding markets for Eid shopping.
Readymade garment stores, clothing, perfumes, foot wear, bakeries, confectioneries and toy shops had heavy footfalls Muslims started preparing for the two-day Eid festival.
With the month long fasting of Ramadan coming to an end and with sighting of the crescent on the start of another Lunar cycle, Eid will be celebrated the next day which would be on Sunday or Monday.
Road side vendors who have set up temporary stalls at Lal Chowk and nearby areas also witnessed brisk sales.
Cash vending machines, ATMs and banks had unending queues lined up as shoppers withdrew more than Rs 5 crore for Eid shopping in just two days, sources in the banking industry said.
Despite being a holiday at all banks for Juma’ati; Vida, management of Jammu and Kashmir Bank decided to remain open and directed its branches to transact business as usual so as to let shoppers draw money for the festive occasion.
To regulate traffic, an elaborate traffic management plan has been drawn up for Lal Chowk and other crowded areas, where the movement of heavy passenger vehicles has been restricted.
“No vehicular traffic shall be allowed to ply on Residency Road from Radio Kashmir to Hari Singh High Street on one side and along M A Road from SRTC Crossing to Jehangir Chowk on the other side. Exception would be made for emergency and on-duty vehicles,” a traffic police officer said.
He said the restrictions shall remain in force till Saturday. “In case Eid is celebrated on Monday, the restrictions will extend to Sunday also,” he added.
Zahid Maqbool is a freelance journalist based in Srinagar.
