Inflation puts a damper on Eid Milad preps

Cost of multicolour lights goes up by 100% in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI:

As Muslims across the country prepare to celebrate the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the month of Rabiul Awwal, the relentless rise in inflation has dampened the customary zeal and exuberance of the occasion.

This year, the radiant ambiance of homes and mosques has been overshadowed by the financial strain imposed by soaring prices. Traditionally, households and places of worship would be adorned with brilliant lights during this sacred month.

However, this time around, the cost of electric multicolour lights has surged, casting a pall over the festivities.

Local shopkeepers in the marketplaces have witnessed staggering price hikes, with some reporting a whopping 100 per cent increase in prices, discouraging customers from embellishing their homes with lights. Many have opted for more budget-friendly alternatives, such as using small, colourful flags.

According to a market survey conducted by The Express Tribune, decorative lights are now a staggering 500 per cent more expensive, leading to a shift towards Chinese lights, which, though smaller in size, offer a vibrant and multicolour display. Chinese light vendors have sprung up in various markets across Rawalpindi, including Urdu Bazar, China Market, Raja Bazaar, Nankari Bazaar, and Bani Chowk, creating captivating night-time scenes.

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Simple bundle lights are now priced at Rs200, while bundles of colourful lights are available for Rs250, and intricately designed lamps cost Rs350.

Various fire bulbs, featuring designs like peacocks and lions, are available for Rs500 to Rs1,000. Despite their fragility and limited lifespan, these Chinese lights have gained popularity due to their affordability.

On the other hand, traditional light decorators are charging Rs25,000 per week for lights, with more intricate designs commanding prices as high as Rs50,000.

Traders and shopkeepers' associations in Rawalpindi have acknowledged the challenges faced by ordinary citizens, citing high inflation as a significant constraint on their ability to decorate their homes. Nevertheless, they remain determined to adorn markets and public spaces to celebrate the birth of the Holy Prophet.

Naveed Kanwal, a spokesperson for Anjuman Tajran Moti Bazaar, expressed her commitment to illuminating their market, regardless of the cost. They plan to gather contributions from fellow traders to light up Moti Bazaar with colourful lights.

Citizens, when interviewed by The Express Tribune, called for measures to curb this artificial price hike, especially during Eid Miladun Nabi, arguing that the prices of colourful lights should remain stable to ensure that everyone can celebrate the occasion.

They pointed out that government buildings will be adorned with public funds during the celebrations and suggested the same consideration be extended to the common people who are devoted to celebrating Eid Miladun Nabi.

A local light decorator, Fahim, acknowledged the price hike but attributed it to the country's poor economic situation. He explained that this year, orders have been scarce as people are struggling to afford the rental costs for colourful lights.

Despite the challenges, people are still hiring lights for three days of festivities, demonstrating their determination to celebrate the birth of the Holy Prophet (pbuh).

 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2023.