Islamabad Brightly-lit markets of Islamabad attracted a large number of people for last minute shopping on ‘Chand Raat’. Despite the wet weather, there was rush at almost every outlet — from those of branded clothes to those selling shoes, cosmetics, bangles or food. The sweet shops and bakers were also seen crowded — people queuing up to buy ‘mithai’ and cakes. 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. The impending Eid vacations and the pleasant weather added to the excitement. There was big cheer all around town — motorcyclists with their silencers out making noise, some youngsters set off fire crackers, while others thronged the markets. Bakeries, sweet shops and beauty parlours and men’s salons were the busiest of all. “These days are crazy. Though we work over time to bake as much as possible, it is never enough for ‘Chand Raat’,” said Saleem Shah, a salesperson at a famous bakery. Despite deployment of traffic police, people at times got stuck in traffic at busy market places. The rush meant that people faced parking problems with many visitors having to park their vehicles well away in the streets nearby. On the other hand, women started preparing for the best possible dishes for Eid guests. The special dish for ‘Meethi’ Eid, in every household is surely the traditional ‘Sheer Khurma’. “All close relatives visit us on ‘Chaand Raat’ and then for dinner on ‘Eid Day.’ Eid is meant for getting together. It is tough for women, but I always enjoy this hustle and bustle. So we enjoy ‘Chand Raat’ with each other and apply ‘henna’ at night after all the cooking for ‘Eid Day’ is done,” said Mehnaz Khan, a housewife. Centaurus Mall, this time provided tough competition to Jinnah Super in terms of attracting crowds on ‘Chand Raat’, obviously because of air conditioning and everything being available in one place. 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 Ramazan as prices are relatively low,” said Hussain Shah, a salesman at a gold shop. All in all, the markets gave the capital a lively look on ‘Chand Raat’ breaking the old notion that “Islamabad is just a small sleepy town.”
