As Eidul al-Zha approaches, local markets and commercial centers in Rawalpindi are witnessing a surge in activity, with businesses reporting strong sales driven by the festive rush.
“Traders in major commercial hubs such as Raja Bazaar, Saddar, Commercial Market, and Tench Bhatta say sales have significantly increased over the past week. Shoppers are flocking to buy clothes, footwear, jewelry, and sacrificial animal accessories, contributing to what many vendors are calling the best sales period,” says Zafar Haider.
“Sales have picked up sharply over the past few days. People are out buying clothes for themselves and their children, and the demand for traditional wear is particularly high,” says Qayyum Zaidi, a shopkeeper in Commercial Market.
“While inflation remains a concern, many consumers appear determined to make the most of the religious occasion. Prices are high, but it is Eid. We try to manage within our budget to celebrate properly,” said Zainab Bibi, a customer in Raja Bazaar.
“Tailors and garment shops have also reported a high volume of orders, prompting many to stop accepting new bookings. Our hands are full. The rush started right after the announcement of Eid dates,” says Shahid Naqvi, a tailor in Saddar.
“In addition to clothing and footwear, the sale of decorative items for sacrificial animals has also picked up, especially among younger buyers keen to adorn their animals before Qurbani. Temporary stalls selling bells, garlands, and colorful ornaments have popped up in various parts of the city,” says Shafiq Hasan.
“Shopkeepers remain hopeful that the momentum will continue right up to Chand Raat, with many expecting this Eidul Azha to bring some relief after months of sluggish business,” says Safdar Ali.
“In the last ten days to two weeks, our sales have nearly doubled compared with a normal month. Customers are seeking elegant yet affordable outfits. Eid is still a time to dress up and feel joy, especially for children,” says Batool, manager and founder of a women’s clothing boutique.
“I am doing my best to preserve the spirit of Eid despite financial constraints. I had to cut back on many things, but I always try to make Eid feel special. The children look forward to new clothes, sweets, family visits; they need to experience the joy, even in a modest way,” says Salma Hussain, a mother of three, in the Murree Road area.
Wajahat Hussain says, “Eidul Azha is typically celebrated through the slaughtering of livestock, sheep or camels, but the slaughter of sheep is the most common practice. Once sacrificed, the sheep is usually split into three parts, where the family slaughtering the sheep keeps one third to cook themselves along with other traditional meals, distributes one third to the poor in their community, and the last third to other family members, relatives, and friends.