Shopping hits its peak in city on eve of Id-ul-Fitr
Shopping for Id-ul-Fitr peaked in the city markets on Friday, a day ahead of the festival. The huge discounts attracting crowds in the newer parts of the city. The Old City markets known for their more reasonably priced merchandise remained a popular attraction.
The iconic Charminar with its markets brimmed with shoppers till late night, with many thronging to make last minute purchases like mehendi, bangles, crockery, semiya, dry fruits, handbags, imitation jewellery and other articles.
People jostled with each other in the Lad Bazaar, Pathergatti and Madina Building, home to several small markets, in their bid to reach the shops.
“As it was the last day, several shopkeepers were open to bargain even in the big stores. It is the time of the year when one can get good stuff at a cheaper price,” said Ms Ayesha Khanam, an IT professional from Tolichowki who came to visit the Charminar.
As the night approached, the traders slashed the prices and anxious sales personnel invited shoppers.
Beauty parlours and hair cutting shops bustled with hectic activity as men and women descended to get a makeover for festival. Shops dealing with dairy products including milk were crowded with the community buying milk in huge quantity for the festival. “Several brands of milk are sold at the shops. The profit margin being high many outlets have come up across the city,” said Minhaj Ahmed, a shopkeeper from Teegalkunta.