Markets abuzz with last-min shoppers as families wrap up preparations for Eid

Kolkata: Markets across the city were teeming with shoppers on Friday, ahead of Eid, which falls on Saturday. From central Kolkata's sweet shops and grocery stores to the busy garment stall stretches of Rabindra Sarani and New Market, people poured in through the day to buy sweets, vermicelli, clothes and other items. "People have been waiting in a queue for sweets and vermicelli since morning. We were sold out by afternoon," said Imran Maqsood, of Karodia Sweet Shop on Rabindra Sarani.Neighbourhood markets remained busy throughout the day with families making last-minute purchases. On Rabindra Sarani, men's kurta shops were packed with shoppers looking for new outfits for Saturday's prayers and family gatherings. In many homes, preparations continued throughout the night. Families spent the day planning menus, arranging visits and getting clothes ready for the festival. "We went out in the afternoon to buy sweets, groceries and clothes. Now, everyone is busy getting things in order for Saturday. Eid is when the whole family comes together, so there is always a lot to finish at the last minute," said Mohammad Azhar from Elliot Road. At New Market, one of the traditional shopping hubs for the festival, the rush was visible since Friday morning. Big stores and small stalls remained open late into the night, offering discounts on garments, footwear and festive goods. There was a flurry of customers purchasing spices, sugar, rice and saffron, as well. Some shops, however, were seeing stronger demand. Rashika Meer of Bright Bengal said glass bangles were drawing customers this season, helped by social media trends. "There is a visible craze this Eid season. People are coming specifically for these designs, and the response has been quite encouraging," she said. Md Shahid Hossain, a shopkeeper at New Market, said the sales were not as good as in previous years even though it was the last day before the festival. "Because of the LPG problem, the sales are slightly low. Shoppers are spending cautiously. We are offering discounts to attract customers," said Hossain.