Eid shopping spree in Kashmir

Srinagar, Sept 20 : Residents of Kashmir went on a shopping spree for Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest Muslim festival marking the end of Ramadan.

People are thronging to markets to buy bakery, mutton, poultry, sweetmeat and gift items.

Shop owners in the city's Civil Lines area have also expressed their delight at increase in customers visiting their stores.

"Sales have increased a lot than the normal days. There is a rise of around 50-70 per cent. People who buy one kilo of sweets are buying two kilos now. People are buying more quantities in confectionery shops. Even in garment shops, a lot of shopping is done for children," said Manzoor Ahmed, a confectionery shop owner.

Shopping centres are filled with shoppers buying new items for themselves and their family members.

"I feel very good because I see faces of people lit with happiness. People are going out a lot to shop," said Mahmood Ayub, a resident.

During Ramadan, Muslims try to abstain from carnal pleasures and addictions.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Hijri lunar calendar, commemorates the revelation of Quran. During this time, Muslims pray six times a day, one more prayer than usual.

After a month long of fasting, Muslims will celebrate the Eid on September 21 or 22, depending on the position of the moon.