PESHAWAR  –  As Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations are around the corner, a vibrant and bustling scene unfolded across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially Peshawar, where girls, accompanied by their families, were busy decorating their hands with bangles and henna to look different on the festive day. The shops, adorned with colourful buntings and lights, have become the focal point of excitement as the city inches closer to Eid. The peak of shopping activity kicked off with young girls flocking to the shopping arcades to purchase their favourite items. They are buying shiny bangles, vibrant clothes, perfumes, and matching footwear, all in preparation for the joyous occasion. Before Chand Raat, it’s clear that the spirit of celebration has gripped the city. In the heart of Peshawar, particularly in the Cantonment and bustling markets of Jinnah Market, a flood of women and girls created a colourful tapestry, making it impossible to ignore the high demand for traditional Eid accessories. The henna and bangle stalls, now a permanent fixture in many markets, were brimming with excitement as shoppers eagerly explored a dazzling array of bangles in every colour imaginable. Fatima Bibi, 25, who was shopping at Jinnah Market with her father, shared her excitement with APP and said, “Shopping for Kashmiri bangles and henna always doubles the joy of Eid. “I have bought bangles and clothes, and I’ll be back on Chand Raat to decorate my hands with a henna expert.” For Fatima and many other girls, the tradition of spending the entire night of Chand Raat visiting markets with friends, buying accessories, and decorating hands with intricate henna designs is a cherished ritual. Henna tattoos have also gained popularity in the markets, offering an easy-to-use alternative for those who want to join in the festive fun without the traditional application process. The temporary tattoos, which are easily removable, are becoming a trend, especially among younger girls eager to embrace the Eid celebrations in a modern way. Kashmiri bangles made deep inroads in Peshawar city as its stalls attracted girls in droves ahead of Chand Raat. The hustle and bustle of shopping for Eid essentials is reaching a fever pitch. Peshawar’s streets and markets at Qisakhwani are filled with a wide variety of foreign and local products.  International brands of cosmetics like Wella, Lakme, and Jordana, along with popular clothing lines such as Lee, Wrangler, and Bazoo, have also made their mark in the city. Hayatabad shopping malls, Tipu Sultan Road, Peshawar Trade Centre, Shaheen and Meena bazaars, and Qissa Khwani area are among the hotspots that have seen a surge in local and foreign goods, making it easier for shoppers to find trendy items not available in the past. 

However, as much as the festive spirit is alive, many shoppers have expressed concerns over rising prices, which they feel have placed a strain on the purchasing power of the lower-income and salaried classes. Youth take great interest in Peshawari Chappal due to its affordable price compared to foreign-made. A great rush in readymade garments in all city markets was witnessed after tailors refused to accept more bookings. Eid shoppers complained about high prices of children’s shoes and garments this year, demanding KP Govt check it. Despite these challenges, the rush to get ready for Eid is palpable as the excitement builds to a crescendo in Peshawar, with many expected to come out in full force on Chand Raat. With the markets brimming with shoppers and excitement in the air, Peshawar is undoubtedly gearing up for an unforgettable Eid celebration.