Shopping spree peaks as Eid approaches

Charminar: With the holy month of Ramzan close to culmination, the shopping spree is at its peak with hoards of bargain-hunters flocking at the traditional market near Charminar. Thousands of families from different parts of the city and some from nearby districts are seen shopping in the late hours, some even till dusk.

The devout that are not able to venture out during the day and are discouraged by the prevailing heat-wave conditions made their way to the traditional market only after breaking their fast. Some of them who wanted to avoid the hustle-bustle are making sure that they reached Mecca Masjid for fasting and wrapped up before most shoppers venture out.

The Ramzan bazar or night bazar near Charminar and its surrounding areas are famous throughout India. Starting from Charminar Bus Stop to all the way to Madina building near Nayapul, the roads are completely blocked by the temporary stalls and hawkers and thousands of shoppers.

Be it bangle stores of Laad Bazar, bridal wear stores in Patthergatti and shops of kids wear in the surroundings of Charminar, all of them are witnessing huge influx. It has remained a trend in many families to purchase Eid dresses in the ending days of Ramzan, especially in the night hours. Some of them are even seen shopping till the wee hours.

"Shopping in the ending days of Ramzan remains the best experience for the shoppers. Roads are lit with hundreds of glowing lights everywhere and it gives an impression of a carnival. People can be seen glued up to the road-side pushcart as well as the shopping malls. Everything during Ramzan is fully decorated and shopping in the season remains in the memories of shoppers till next Ramzan.

Some devout also prioritise their prayers and leave their houses only after they finished special prayers. It is one of the reasons for the hustle-bustle at Charminar," said Mohammed Moazam, a visitor near Charminar. Moazam said that purchasing of clothes is normal, but for Ramzan and Eid the excitement of shopping will be different. Be it a small kid or an elderly, everyone in family is excited for shopping in ending days of Ramzan, he added.

Shopping near Charminar is way different from other parts of the city, as it is unique and offers everything from traditional to contemporary. "It remains a special place for women shoppers, as everything from bangles to cosmetics, from wedding dresses to footwear for all ages will be available at one place," said Shaik Mahboob.

The shopping near Charminar is different, as the market caters for poor, rich. "This year authorities are also providing free parking facility, and it made it easy the shoppers at Charminar," said Mohiuddin.

By MM Farooqui