Muslims prepare for Eid amid rising prices in Varanasi

Muslims in Uttar Pradesh thronged various markets ahead of Eid-al-Fitr amid rising prices. Eid marks the end of holy month of Ramadan.

Despite crowd in markets, shopkeepers on Thursday, the business was slow as prices of several commodities had shot up.

"In the holy month of Ramadan, business of dates, vermicelli, clothes, shoes, increases. But, it has become so expensive that the common man cannot afford these items. This is the month when schools reopen, so, parents have to spend money on their child's education as well. This month the business has been so slow and unyielding, we are in a lot of trouble," said a shopkeeper, Gufran Ahmed, in Varanasi city.

Inflation and spiralling prices of commodities remained a matter of concern for many Muslims heading to markets for shopping.

"There is not much excitement as before. It lacks the kind of celebratory atmosphere like there used to be before. Also, everything is so expensive now. Earlier during Ramadan celebrations, it was a different sight. Now it is no longer the same," said a customer, Badrudin Ahmed.

Eid is a time for visiting friends and family and receiving guests. It is customary for Muslims to buy new clothes and accessories for the festive occasion.

Ramadan is the ninth of 12 months in the Islamic calendar. The month honours the Angel Gabriel's revelation of the Koran, the holy scripture of Islam, to the Prophet Mohammed at a meditation retreat in a cave about 1,400 years ago.

Fasting, charity, daily prayers, the declaration of faith and pilgrimage to Mecca are the five pillars of Islam.

During Ramadan, Muslims offer special prayers called Taraweeh at the end of their usual five- times prayers.

Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days and culminates in the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, tens of millions across the Muslim world make every effort to be more spiritual.

Muslims abstain from food, drink and other pleasures from sunrise to sunset.