Festive lighting turns costly before Eid Milad

Residents and committees forced to turn to more affordable Chinese alternatives

RAWALPINDI:

With Eid Miladun Nabi approaching, lighting decorators and shops selling Chinese decorative lights have significantly increased prices, making festive decorations both difficult and expensive.

Alongside established shops, temporary stalls have sprung up in local markets, while street vendors are selling lights on pushcarts across city neighbourhoods.

Due to sharp hikes in lighting rental rates, many shopkeepers, residents, and local Milad committees are turning towards Chinese-made decorative lights.

Available in wide variety and designs, these lights are more affordable compared to traditional decorators.

In the open market, a Chinese light string that sold for Rs150–175 last year now costs Rs300. A 10x10 Chinese light net has risen from Rs1,500 to between Rs2,000 and Rs2,600, while "Sun Rope Lights" have increased from Rs150 per foot to Rs200 per foot.

Meanwhile, lighting decorators have raised rental charges drastically: a simple three-day decoration now costs Rs15,000, seven days Rs25,000, and ten days Rs30,000.

Additional themed decorations such as "Jashn-e-Milad Mubarak," "Welcome to Milad," and "Kalma Tayyaba" lights are charged separately at Rs500–700 per day.

Chaudhry Aleem Arain, Chairman of the Central Milad Committee, urged decorators to cut prices by at least 50% during the celebrations, saying it would bring blessings to their business and allow the entire city to be illuminated.

On the other hand, shopkeeper Faisal Siddiqui argued that Chinese lights have already hurt traditional decorators' businesses, though they are still offering discounts for Eid Milad lighting.

Meanwhile, the district administration has issued a new SOP for the processions, announcing various restrictions along with formal rules and approving a comprehensive security plan. Under the new regulations, political sloganeering and party flags have been strictly prohibited. The use of drums, cans, or loud instruments has also been banned, but only the daf (hand drum) is permitted. Smaller Milad committees will not be allowed to install loudspeakers. Entry of heavy vehicles, tractors, trolleys, bullock carts, camel carts, and donkey carts into the processions has also been prohibited.

The day is celebrated to express deep love and respect for the last Messenger of Almighty Allah, whose teachings of peace, tolerance, and compassion continue to inspire billions on the globe. Since the advent of the blessed month of Rabiul Awwal, homes, businesses, mosques, and public buildings across Pakistan have been adorned with vibrant lights and colourful flags.