- Title: INDIA: Markets in Indias Kashmir are abuzz with activity ahead of Eid.
- Date: 19th August 2012
- Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Urdu) SHABIR AHMAD, LOCAL RESIDENT, SAYING: "The markets are very lively, there are shoppers all around, buying whatever they need. There is happiness all around, the happiness of the people is reflected and people share this joy with others." LOCAL VENDOR SELLING PLASTICWARE CUSTOMER NEGOTIATING THE PRICE WITH A SHOPKEEPER VARIOUS OF CUSTOMER BUYING VEGETABLES SHOPPERS AT VEGETABLE MARKET
- Embargoed: 9th September 2012 23:32
- Keywords:
- Location: India
- Country: India
- Topics: Economy
- Reuters ID: LVA6TUCIXAZOUABJCQMSX6RWEJAT
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3
- Story Text: Markets in Srinagar were bursting with activity on Saturday (August 18), as shoppers stocked up ahead of Eid al-Fitr.
While many countries in the Middle East are celebrating Eid on Sunday, the Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan is due to be celebrated in India on Monday (August 20).
During the last few days of Ramadan, shops do a brisk trade as people rush out to buy sweets and new clothes.
Shopkeepers in Srinagar, in India's northern Jammu and Kashmir state, said they had dropped their prices for the occasion.
"By God's grace, this festival will spread joy and we hope that you and I both progress. This festival should be prosperous for Kashmir as well as the people here. Everything is fine by God's grace. The rush is good, but we have slashed the prices," said bakery owner Mohammad Amin.
This year, Ramadan has fallen at the hottest time of the year in northern India, with temperatures soaring past 30 degrees Celsius.
Because of the weather, shoppers have rushed to market areas in the early morning, to avoid the worst of the heat.
Amid the difficult weather conditions, shoppers said the upcoming holiday brought a joyful atmosphere to the town after a month of fasting.
"The markets are very lively, there are shoppers all around, buying whatever they need. There is happiness all around, the happiness of the people is reflected and people share this joy with others," said Shabir Ahmad.
Ramadan is the ninth lunar month of the Islamic calendar.
The Eid al-Fitr festival must be confirmed by the sighting of the next crescent moon, meaning Muslims only know for sure the evening before that they will celebrate their biggest holiday of the year the next day. - Copyright Holder: ANI (India)
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