Sacred Sweetness: Dates Arrive in Kashmir Markets as Ramadan Begins
From prized Ajwa to affordable Omani varieties, traders witness brisk sales as families prepare for the first Iftar
Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: With the onset of the holy month of Ramadan, markets across Kashmir have come alive with the arrival of fresh consignments of dates, the traditional food used by Muslims to break the day-long fast. From Maharaj Bazar and Nowhatta in old Srinagar to markets in Anantnag, Sopore and Baramulla, shopfronts are stacked with cartons and trays of dates, drawing steady crowds of shoppers.
Over the past week, truckloads of dates have entered the Valley through wholesale mandis in Delhi and Mumbai, mostly imported from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, the UAE and North Africa. Traders say demand has already picked up days ahead of the first fast.
“Ramadan preparations in Kashmir begin with dates. People come to purchase them even before fruits or bakery items,” said Bashir Ahmad, a dry-fruit dealer in Maharaj Bazar. “The rush has started and in the last few days before Ramadan we hardly get time to sit.”
Among the most sought-after varieties this season are Ajwa, known for its religious significance, the large and juicy Medjoul (Medjool), Mabroom, Safawi, Kalmi, Sagai and soft Iranian Kimia dates. Economical Omani and Tunisian dates are also witnessing heavy demand from larger households and mosque committees arranging community Iftars.
Ajwa dates, imported from Madinah, remain the most prized purchase. Many families prefer to reserve them for the first Iftar of Ramadan.
“Customers insist on Ajwa because of its association with Sunnah. Even if they buy cheaper dates for daily use, they still take a small box of Ajwa,” said another trader, Mudasir Khan.
Wholesale distributors at Parimpora Mandi said supplies this year are adequate. “We have already received multiple truckloads and more are expected. Mosques and shrines also buy in bulk for Iftar arrangements,” a wholesaler said.
Prices vary according to quality and origin. Premium Ajwa varieties are selling between Rs 1,200 and Rs 2,200 per kilogram, Medjoul between Rs900 and Rs 1,500 per kg, while Iranian and Omani dates range from Rs 250 to Rs 500 per kg, making them affordable for most households.
Shopkeepers say they are trying to keep prices stable despite higher transport costs. “Ramadan is a sacred month. We ensure every family can afford dates,” a retailer at Nowhatta market said.
Residents have already begun stocking up to avoid the last-minute rush. “We buy early because markets become overcrowded later,” said Shazia, a shopper in downtown Srinagar. “The fast feels incomplete without breaking it with dates and water.”
Besides religious significance, health experts note that dates provide instant energy after long fasting hours as they are rich in natural sugars, fibre, potassium and essential minerals. For Kashmiri families, however, dates are more than nutrition — they remain an enduring symbol of tradition, charity and togetherness that marks the spiritual beginning of Ramadan each year.
