Kashmiris throng markets to shop for Eid-ul-Fitr

Markets across Kashmir Valley including summer capital Srinagar were flooded with people as residents came out in large numbers to shop for Eid-ul-Fitr likely to be celebrated tomorrow.
As the Muslims follow Lunar calendar, the fasting month of Ramadhan will come to an end with the sighting of crescent this evening or tomorrow evening.
The Eid will be celebrated a day after the sighting of the crescent, which is more likely today as Saudi Arabia and some other parts of the world are celebrating the culmination of fasting month today.
Bakeries, confectionaries and toy shops witnessed heavy rush of customers as Muslims started preparing for the two-day Eid festival.

Shopping outlets dealing with clothing including kids-wear, perfumes and footwear also saw brisk sales from early in the morning.
The roadside vendors have also set up stalls in Lal Chowk and adjoining areas selling all kinds of merchandise.

Serpentine queues were witnessed at ATM outlets and banks as people withdrew more than Rs 55 crore for Eid shopping in just two days, sources in the banking industry said.
Like last year, the traffic department has barred the entry of heavy passenger vehicles into the commercial hub of Lal Chowk as it leads to traffic jams.
"No vehicular traffic shall be allowed to ply on Residency road from Radio Kashmir to Hari Singh High street on one side and along MA road from SRTC crossing to Jehangir Chowk on the other side, except emergency and on-duty vehicles," a traffic police officer said.

He said the restrictions shall remain in force till Eid prayers.