Eid festivities draw crowds to parks

Administrations extend hours, increase security to accommodate large numbers of visitors

RAWALPINDI:

During the three days of Eidul Azha, the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad witnessed a massive rush of families at all 55 small and large recreational parks.

Popular destinations included Patriata Chair Lift, Murree, Nathia Gali, Bansra Gali, Bhurban and Ayubia. Despite the exorbitant prices charged by vendors and park administrations, families enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

On the first day of Eid, families remembered the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and distributed meat after sacrificing animals. They then headed to the parks after evening prayers.

A large number of families visited Murree, Nathia Gali, Ayubia and Bhurban on the second day of Eid, enjoying the pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. In Rawalpindi, families enjoyed boating in the three lakes of Ayub Park and Rawal Dam.

The parks were decorated with new swings, slides and other attractions for children. There were also dodging cars, electronic swings, computerised swings, zigzag rides, mono trains, and other swings. However, the prices of parking, boating and other activities were very high. To cope with inflation, many families brought their own food and drinks from home.

The prices of food items like chaat, sag, makayi roti, lassi, and barbeque were 30 to 40 per cent higher than the open market. The parking fee was Rs200 for cars and Rs100 for motorcycles while the boating fee was Rs700 per person.

Horse riding and camel riding cost Rs200, while computerised swings cost Rs150 to 200. Laser shooting games cost Rs250, and dodging cars cost Rs500. The mono train ticket was Rs150. Cold drinks cost Rs100 for a small bottle, Rs190 for a litre and Rs250 for a large bottle. Chana chaat cost Rs250, dahi bhalla plates cost Rs300, gol gappay cost Rs300 and nimko plates cost Rs100.

Due to the large number of families, the park administration extended the park timings from 9am to 1am. All three days of Eid saw a massive rush at Ayub Park, Joyland, Allama Iqbal Park, Rumi Park, Ladies Park, Children Park, 502 Workshop Park, Patriata Chair Lift, Yasmin Garden, Daman-e-Koh and Fatima Jinnah Park.

Special security arrangements were made, including heavy lighting. However, there were also reports of overcharging and some visitors and vendors got into arguments. Several cases of pickpocketing and purse snatching were also reported in the parks.