Chand Raat brings joys to shoppers, traders

KARACHI:

After the two years of coronavirus pandemic, traditional buzz was observed on Chand Raat, the eve of Eidul Fitr.

The citizens of Karachi are fully prepared to celebrate Eidul Fitr with traditional and religious fervor after the end of Covid restrictions.

Talking about the boom in the markets, Atiq Mir, Chairman, Karachi Tajir Ittehad, said that business activities have been gradually restored for the current Eidul Fitr in the last days of Ramazan after two years. However, inflation has hit the buying power of salaried individuals and small traders.

Eid is an occasion when rich or poor, everyone, irrespective of economic background, tries to buy new dresses, shoes for family. Most people buy ready-made shalwar kameez and a variety of low-cost shoes, sandals or dresses.

He said that Eid shopping in Ramazan this year has been better than the last two years. Markets, malls and shopping centers were crowded till late at night and citizens were seen with their families buying ready-made clothes, shoes and other items till late at night.

Family, friends gatherings

Going back to normal, the Eid Milan Parties are on again. On the occasion of Eidul Fitr, people stocked up on mithai, nimko besides groceries too entertain guests. Shops kept replenishing supplies of mutton, beef and poultry to meet the swelling demand.

Siwayyan is the traditional sweet dish of Eid. People wiped the stores' counters clear of Vermicelli, sugar, and dry fruit for making siwayyan.

Muhammad Adnan, owner of a grocery store, said that after two years, this year on the Chand Raat, the citizens, "have really bought groceries according to Eid."

Naheed Ahmed, a woman buying vermicelli and milk from a store, said that due to coronavirus restrictions for the last two years, the citizens of Karachi could not properly celebrate Eidul Fitr.

However, the coronavirus epidemic has now subsided. Therefore, traditional family feasts will be arranged on Eid.

Durry Hufsa said she plans to cook sheerkurma, biryani, qorma, chicken and mutton handi and other dishes for the family feasts and one-dish parties lined up for three days of Eid and onwards till the weekend.

Beggars chose Karachi

In Karachi, before Eidul Fitr, the invasion of beggars was witnessed in different areas on the Chand Raat. A large number of beggars were seen begging in markets, bazaars and public places.

Read K-P govt announces celebrating Eidul Fitr tomorrow

Juhi, a beggar in Liaquatabad market, said that this time a large number of beggars from within the country have come to Karachi with their families to make good earnings on Eid season which is why men, women and children will be seen begging in other crowded areas of the city, including entertainment venues, during Chand Raat and the three days of Eid. She said that due to lack of restrictions, our per capita income has remained Rs1,500 to Rs2,000 per day.

Hairdressers make hay

On the eve of Eidul Fitr, the traditional rush to hairdresser shops has also been observed after two years. At the city's big hair salons and small hairdresser shops, people and children were seen waiting for their turn for haircuts and make-up in preparation for Eid.

Chaudhry Shahid, owner of a local hair salon, said that after two years, the coronavirus pandemic has subsided and this time there is a traditional rush on the Chand Raat. Men, old and young as well as children have got their hair cut according to their preferred hairstyles.

At the hairdressing salons, young and old, men and women, in addition to getting their hair cut, got their beards trimmed and shaved. A large number of young people underwent facials and massages. There was a rush at the hair salons till late at night. Hair salon shops charged 30 to 40 per cent more for cutting and other work than usual.

Philanthropy

Eid gifts and rations were distributed among the poor and middle class by various charities and philanthropists till the night before Eid. In this regard, Shahid Hussain, a volunteer of a welfare organization, said that philanthropists generously helped the poor and low-income people in Karachi this Ramazan as compared to the last two years of coronavirus and on Chand Raat Eid gifts were distributed among the poor families in many areas. These included ready-made men's, women's and children's clothing, shoes and slippers. In addition, ration bags and Eidi of Rs2,000 to Rs5,000 were also distributed among the low-income people.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 3^rd, 2022.