A much-needed economic revival is given to the market life in Kashmir with the arrival of Ramadan; it bears life and stirs with business, mainly food, retail, and hospitality activities. A unique melting of spiritualism and commerce that has a profoundly cultural and economical connotation to the people marks Ramazan in this region.
More than ten days of retreat and spiritual renewal, for Kashmir, this month reaps with hope and economic thrust into the state. The demand shoots sky-high for most food items, especially dry fruits, spices, meat, and bakery items.
At such sweltering times, these markets witness maximum uproar: so do the markets of Srinagar, in particular, going into Mahal Chowk, Residency Road, and Batamaloo, where people lift quantities of essentials and present their luxuries. This is the time for vendors and shopkeepers to make a killing.
The hospitality sector is equally booming during Ramadan. Restaurants and roadside eateries offer mouth-watering ‘Iftar’ specials to attract both localities and tourists. The fragrances of freshly baked ‘Bakerkhani’ and ‘Sheermal’ street will invite the crowd to Savor the Flavors of the season. Houseboats and hotels start getting fully booked as families and friends gather together to spend quality time with each other during this holy month.
Large numbers of ‘Pherans’ and ‘Shawls’ draw attention as chilly nights have fallen and Eid approaches. The craftsmen and weavers, the stronghold of Kashmir’s traditional handicrafts, are immensely benefited by such a seasonal uplift for the continuity of their craft and tradition.
This time speaks louder than ever of a killing spirit intervening with every Kashmiris; of peaking hope and revival that splints remembrance with the trials and tribulations of life.
As the Kashmiris observe the month of Ramazan, preparations begin for the Eid-ul-Fitr festival, which celebrates the end of a month of fasting. This time of season-from shopping for new clothes to laying out feasts-invigorates the local economy, creating a trickle-down effect to benefit traders, craftsmen, and workers.
