Islamabad breaks the notion of being a small sleepy town on ‘Chaand Raat’

ISLAMABAD: No matter how quite Islamabad can turn on Eid Day, the city is known for vibrant ‘Chaand Raat’ with a rush of families in all main markets doing last minute shopping, grocery for Eid day specialties and most of all, for henna and bangles.

Colourful bangle and henna stalls, beautifully decorated markets, music, shops packed with buyers and restaurants full of customers-all featured the ‘Chaand Raat’ in the capital city as people celebrated the sighting of the Shawaal moon on Sunday and headed to markets and shopping centers.

There was big cheer all around town just as the sighting was confirmed –motorcyclists with their noisy silencers were out, some set off fire crackers, others shopped for clothes, shoes, cosmetics, sweets and groceries and still others partied late into the night.

The sound of the silencer-less bikes and fire crackers going off could be heard well past midnight as people marked ‘Chand Raat’ the way they always do. Security at all major markets seemed tight. “We mainly look for bag snatchers, harassers and car thieves on this occasion,” said one police officer on duty. “Our presence deters many from committing crime.”

Most of the markets were beautifully illuminated for the occasion. Young girls and women were out in big numbers, looking especially for bangles and getting their hands painted with ‘henna,’ without which they say, no Eid is complete.

Women swarmed the stalls selling bangles and artificial jewellery - the sellers trying their best to cope with the mad rush. “I knew this was going to happen,” said bangle-seller Tariq Ali of the big crowd.

There were reports of traffic jams around some shopping centres as was expected. The Islamabad Traffic Police however, did their best and ensured the jams were quickly cleared. Centaurus Mall gave tough competition to Jinnah Super Market in terms of attracting crowds on ‘Chaand Raat’, obviously because of air conditioning and everything being available in one place. The bangle stalls, Disney characters, makeup stalls, face painting and food- all were the famous attraction for the visitors.

For a big majority who seriously consider their budget before visiting a market, relatively cheaper and low-profile markets were the right place to shop on ‘Chaand Raat’. Although ranked low on the list, Aabpara and Karachi Company, scoop up the lion’s share of business in the run-up to Eid. Last but not the least, F-10 Markaz also drew in crowds mainly because of the shoes and stuff for children. There were special offers at some jewellers. "Some families gift jewellery to loved ones on Eid day. More people visit gold shops during Ramadan as prices are relatively low," said Hussain Shah, a salesman at a gold shop.

This Eid, Lok Virsa also arranged an evening of enjoyment to spend with family and friends which featured traditional henna, bangles, jewellery, food stalls and traditional live music.  Those who find it cumbersome to visit famous shopping areas due to heavy traffic on roads and queues in the markets, they enjoyed ‘Chaand Raat’ within the tranquillity and peace of Lok Virsa.

Despite all these choices, Jinnah Super’s reputation of being everyone’s favourite on ‘Chaand Raat’ remained intact. Though traders say most of those swarming the market are not buyers and come there only for fun on ‘Chaand Raat’.

The rush at the market meant that people faced parking problems with many visitors having to park their vehicles well away from the market in the side streets.

“On such festive occasions, it is a waste of time to look for a parking spot inside the market. People who come here often spend a lot of time, so it is good if one parks in the adjacent streets,” said one trader.

Meanwhile, the sweet shops and bakers were also crowded - people queuing up to buy 'mithai' and cakes. Over the past few years the trend of sending cakes and sweets to relatives and friends has picked up. All in all, the markets gave the capital a lively look on ‘Chaand Raat’ breaking the old notion that "Islamabad is just a small sleepy town."