Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, May 25: The festive buzz that traditionally engulfs markets across Kashmir ahead of Eid-ul-Adha is noticeably absent this year, with traders, shopkeepers and livestock dealers from several districts reporting dull business activity and weak customer response amid growing financial strain on households.
From the bustling markets of Srinagar and Baramulla to the town centres of Pulwama, Shopian and Anantnag, traders say markets are witnessing significantly less footfall compared to previous years, while livestock dealers are struggling with poor sales of sacrificial animals.
In south Kashmir districts, markets that usually remain overcrowded in the days leading to Eid are witnessing sparse movement, with most families restricting purchases to essentials only.
Mohammad Sultan Kumar, owner of a kitchenware shop in Pulwama, said the sharp increase in prices of household goods has badly affected consumer spending this season.
“People are avoiding unnecessary purchases because everything has become expensive. Customers are buying only essential items and postponing other spending due to financial uncertainty,” Kumar told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
He added that Eid seasons in previous years used to bring brisk business, but this year, markets are comparatively silent.
Livestock markets across south Kashmir are also witnessing a major slump.
Aafaq Ahmad, a livestock dealer from Pulwama, said sales of sacrificial animals have dropped drastically compared to previous years. “People visit the markets, check the rates and leave without buying. Affordability has become a major issue this year. Traders are struggling to recover transportation and feeding costs,” he said.
Another cattle dealer from Anantnag said many traders who brought animals from outside districts are facing losses due to weak demand. “Business has remained far below expectations. Buyers are delaying purchases till the last moment, while many families are simply unable to afford sacrificial animals this year,” he said.
Similar scenes are unfolding in Srinagar, where major market hubs including Lal Chowk, Nowhatta and Maharaj Gunj are witnessing comparatively thin crowds despite Eid approaching fast.
Javid Ahmad, a garment shop owner in Lal Chowk, said even evening hours, which normally witness heavy rush before Eid, are seeing limited customer activity. “People are spending very cautiously. Most families are focusing on necessities rather than festive shopping. The excitement usually associated with Eid shopping is missing this time,” he said.
Bakery owners across the Valley have also expressed concern over declining sales.
Fayaz Ahmad, who runs a bakery in Baramulla, said the demand for traditional bakery items has remained weaker than in previous years.
“Usually, bakery sales rise sharply before Eid, but this season, business is slow. Rising prices of raw materials have already increased our costs, while customers are also purchasing less,” he said.
In north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, traders dealing in ready-made garments and footwear reported similar trends.
Abdul Rashid, a shopkeeper in Handwara, said middle-class families are finding it difficult to manage expenses due to inflation and unemployment. “Earlier, families used to shop freely before Eid, but now people calculate every expense carefully. The economic situation is affecting markets everywhere,” he said.
Livestock dealers in Bandipora and Baramulla also reported poor response in cattle markets.
Ghulam Nabi, a trader from Baramulla, said transport costs and rising fodder prices have made business difficult for dealers.
“We brought animals expecting good sales before Eid, but the response has been disappointing so far. Many traders fear losses if the situation does not improve in the coming days,” he said.
In Anantnag district, bakery owners and traders said pre-Eid business, which usually sustains them for several weeks, has failed to gain momentum this year.
Shabir Ahmad, a bakery owner in the district, said consumers are prioritising household essentials over traditional festive spending.
“People are purchasing only limited quantities. The overall market atmosphere is dull, and traders are worried,” he said.
Despite the sluggish business activity, traders across Kashmir remain hopeful that markets may witness some improvement on the final day before Eid-ul-Adha. However, many fear that overall business this season may remain significantly below normal levels, reflecting the wider economic pressures being faced by people across the Valley—(KNO)
