Srinagar markets are overflowing with enthusiastic shoppers who are shopping to their heart's content for the festival of Eid.
After the somber Ramadan, the atmosphere has become festive, as people gear up for Eid after a month of pious fasting.
Text: Mukhtar Ahmad Photographs: Umar Ganie
Srinagar turns festive for Eid
Shops selling sweets, cakes, meat or apparels are being thronged by people from all age groups. However, the shops selling various savoury delicacies and sweets are drawing the maximum crowds.
Srinagar turns festive for Eid
"Most of the shops I visited have already sold all their stocks. One shopkeeper told me the address of a bakery shop 12 kms away from the city centre and now I am going there to try my luck," said Zameer Ahmad, a Srinagar resident.
Srinagar turns festive for Eid
The streets are choked with traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian, with vehicles moving at a snail's pace in Srinagar.
The overzealous shopping spree and festive atmosphere is not limited to only the capital but has swept across the valley.
Srinagar turns festive for Eid
"Happiness in the valley is witnessed only during the Eid festivals and marriage ceremonies, so no local wants to miss the bus to happiness in a land where 20 years of violence have snatched smiles from many a face," observed a lecturer in a local college.
Srinagar turns festive for Eid
State Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have extended their Eid greetings to the people and prayed for peace on the joyous occasion.
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