Muted markets, sluggish sales mark Eid-ul-Adha eve in Kashmir

Srinagar, May 26: Markets across Kashmir wore a subdued look on the eve of Eid-ul-Adha, with traders reporting sluggish sales and low customer footfall during what is traditionally one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.

From Srinagar’s commercial hub at Lal Chowk to Downtown markets, shopkeepers said festive business has failed to gather momentum, leaving many disappointed as Eid-ul-Adha is set to be observed on Wednesday.

Markets around Lal Chowk — usually packed with shoppers buying clothes, footwear, bakery items and household essentials ahead of Eid — appeared less crowded thwan expected on Tuesday, with traders claiming business had sharply declined compared to previous years.

“Sales are sluggish, around 60 to 70 per cent down from what they used to be,” said Aijaz Shahdhar, President of the Kashmir Trade Alliance, adding that businesses dependent on festive spending were struggling to see meaningful sales.

In Downtown Srinagar, traders dealing in garments, footwear and general merchandise echoed similar concerns, saying customer turnout has remained weak even at a time when markets typically witness a festive rush.

“We used to see huge crowds before Eid, especially in the evenings, but this year the rush is simply not there,” said Mohammad Yousuf Bhat, a garment trader in Nowhatta. “Customers are visiting markets, but many are only checking prices and leaving without making purchases.”

At Maharaj Gunj, footwear trader Fayaz Ahmad Dar said changing spending patterns and financial pressures appeared to be affecting Eid shopping.
“People are spending cautiously because expenses have increased,” Dar said. “Earlier, families used to shop freely for Eid, but now most customers are sticking to essentials or searching for cheaper options.”

Retailers said the slowdown has impacted almost every segment, particularly clothing, footwear, bakery and gift-related businesses that usually record brisk sales ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.

At Bohri Kadal, trader Ghulam Nabi Wani said many businesses had stocked fresh inventory anticipating festive demand but were now concerned about unsold goods.
“We purchased stock expecting better business before Eid, but the response has remained weak,” Wani said. “For small traders, recovering investment becomes difficult when festive sales are poor.”

Several traders linked the muted market response to rising living costs, reduced purchasing power and broader economic uncertainty, saying many households are prioritising essential spending. Some traders also said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, had dampened festive sentiment, leading many families to observe Eid in a more restrained manner.

“People are emotionally affected by what they are seeing in Gaza and other conflict-hit areas. The festive mood is not the same,” Dar said. “Many customers tell us they are continuing to spend less this Eid.”

Still, some shopkeepers expressed cautious hope that last-minute purchases may bring limited relief before markets close for Eid.

“In Kashmir, some people still shop at the final hour,” Bhat said. “We are hoping for some movement, though expectations are much lower this time.”

Eid-ul-Adha, one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar, typically drives strong retail activity across Kashmir. This year, however, traders say the festive buzz has remained noticeably muted, with economic pressures, cautious spending and the emotional impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict contributing to a subdued atmosphere in markets across the Valley.