Kashmiri bangles dominate Eid markets

From social media to market stalls, women flock to grab the season's hottest accessory

KARACHI:

After farshi shalwars last year, this year it's all about Kashmiri bangles, with shoppers lining up across Karachi to complete their Eidul Fitr ensembles. Kashmiri bangles have emerged as the top trend in the city's markets, attracting large numbers of women and young girls eager to complete their festive shopping.

From KDA Market and Johar malls to Tariq Road, Saddar, Clifton, DHA, Bohra Bazaar, and Jodia Bazaar, stalls selling Kashmiri bangles are witnessing heavy footfall, as shoppers rush to buy the latest designs during the final phase of Eid preparations.

Shopkeepers say the demand for Kashmiri bangles has surged this year, making them the most sought-after accessory of the season. A typical set usually includes a dozen bangles along with four decorative bracelets adorned with small bells (ghungroos), available in a mix of silver, golden, and vibrant multicolour designs.

"These bangles are available in both light and dark shades, allowing customers to match them with their outfits," a vendor at a private mall in DHA told The Express Tribune.

Retailers at Tariq Road said prices vary depending on weight, design, and quality. In the wholesale market, prices range between Rs300 and Rs1,000, while in retail, they have climbed to between Rs500 and Rs2,000.

"Just a few days ago, these sets were being sold for Rs1,000 to Rs1,500, but increased demand has pushed prices higher," a shopkeeper said.

A customer at KDA Market in Gulshan-e-Iqbal said the growing popularity of Kashmiri bangles is largely driven by social media trends. "We saw their unique and beautiful designs going viral online, which is why we came to buy them. It seems almost every girl wants to wear Kashmiri bangles this Eid," she said.

Women shoppers said bangles remain an essential part of Eid celebrations. Despite inflation, many are still purchasing their preferred designs, though they now prefer versatile sets that can be worn with multiple outfits.

In addition to Kashmiri bangles, a wide variety of other styles are also available in the market, including glass, metal, glitter, velvet, threadwork, dotted, and fancy bangles. Artificial gold bracelets, gemstone-studded sets, and heavy jewellery-style bangles are also gaining attention.

This year, multicolour bangle sets have also gained popularity, offering greater flexibility to match with different dresses, further boosting their appeal among shoppers.