Muslims throng markets in large numbers to shop for Eid, but prices bite

Muslims across India hit the markets on Wednesday and Thursday to shop for the Eid-al-Fitr festival, which marks the end of the holy, fasting month of Ramazan on Friday or Saturday.

People of all ages crowded markets where colourful Eid stalls had been set up offering special clothes and sweets.

A lot of middle class customers visit makeshift stalls where clothes and other items are cheaper and the only alternative for the less privileged.

The month of Ramazan is celebrated to honour the Angel Gabriel's revelation of the Koran, the holy scripture of Islam, to the Prophet Mohammad at a meditation retreat in a cave about 1,400 years ago.

Muslims eat an elaborate breakfast known as Sehri (a pre-dawn meal) before they begin their day-long fast for the month and visit the mosques for the morning prayers Fajr.

People in Srinagar thronged markets to purchase new clothes and sweets.

"I have been here for two hours and these days the markets are very crowded. People are making purchases as it is a big day for Muslims and comes only once a year. It is a very good day for earnings as people are buying food, sweets and clothes. People are especially buying clothes for children. It is very crowded and there is something for everyone - from cheap to expensive-as rich and poor both are buying," said Mehran Khan, a resident of Srinagar.

Families spend time together over Eid, exchanging gifts and sharing meals.

Eid is a time for visiting friends and family and it is customary to buy new clothes for the occasion.

However in wake of the spiralling inflation, the shopkeepers faced the brunt as there were few people who were actually purchasing.

"We are doing fairly good business but things are not the same as they were in the past. Because of price rise, there is a lot of difference now. There are a lot people coming but only few of them are customers. 10 people come together but only one out of them purchases," said Syed Ali, a shopkeeper in Bhopal.

Eid is due to be celebrated either on August 9 or August 10, when the first sight of the new moon is seen in the sky.