Rs 50-crore Eid treat: Kashmir’s bakery boom peaks this Ramadan
Valley’s famed bakers witness massive festive rush
Traditional rotis, cakes and snacks fly off shelves as Eid approaches
Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: As Ramadan nears its culmination, Kashmir’s centuries-old bakery tradition is witnessing a massive seasonal surge, with the Valley expected to consume bakery products worth around Rs 50 crore ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr this year.
From the bustling alleys of downtown Srinagar to modern confectionery outlets in uptown localities, bakeries are witnessing unprecedented demand, with long queues becoming a common sight during Sehri and Iftar hours. The final days leading up to Eid are particularly crucial, often accounting for the highest sales of the season.
Market estimates and past trends suggest that bakery consumption in Kashmir has steadily grown over the years. Earlier figures had placed Ramadan bakery sales in the range of Rs 30–40 crore, while festive turnover in some years hovered around Rs 20 crore. However, with changing consumption patterns, population growth, and a shift towards both traditional and modern bakery products, traders believe that this year’s turnover is likely to touch Rs 50 crore, making it one of the most lucrative seasons for the sector.
For thousands of bakers across the Valley, Ramadan is not just a holy month—it is the backbone of their livelihood. Manzoor Ahmad, a traditional baker from Srinagar, said,
“Ramadan is our peak season. Our sales increase many times compared to normal days. In the last week before Eid, we hardly get any rest as demand keeps rising.”
Another bakery owner from the old city said,
“Chand Raat and the day before Eid are the busiest. People buy bakery items in bulk for relatives and guests. Sometimes we sell out everything before midnight.”
Customers say bakery shopping has become an essential part of their Eid preparations. A shopper in Lal Chowk, Aamir Ahmad, said,
“Every year we spend a good amount on bakery items before Eid. Guests keep coming the whole day, so we make sure everything is stocked in advance.”
Another customer, Shabnam Bano from uptown Srinagar, said, “Children love cakes and pastries, while elders prefer traditional kulchas and baqerkhani. We usually buy a mix of everything for Eid.”
A young buyer, Adil Hussain, said the trend of modern bakery items is also rising.
“Along with traditional bread, we now buy patties, cookies and pastries for Iftar and Eid gatherings. It has become part of the celebration.”
Industry insiders say that a significant portion of annual earnings—often up to 40 percent—comes during Ramadan alone, underlining the economic importance of the season.
Kashmir’s bakery culture, rooted in the traditional kandur system, offers a wide range of items that see a sharp spike in demand during Ramadan and Eid. Among the fastest-selling items are kulcha and tsoet (tilvor), baqerkhani, sheermal, lavasa, girda and chochvor. In addition, cakes, pastries, cookies, and chicken and mutton patties are witnessing brisk sales, especially among younger consumers and in urban markets. Special roath and kulcha varieties are also being purchased in bulk for Eid day hospitality.
In Kashmir, bakery items are an inseparable part of Eid celebrations. After Eid prayers, families traditionally serve kehwa and noon chai with an assortment of bakery items to guests, a custom that continues throughout the day as relatives and friends visit each other.
Despite the strong demand, bakery owners say rising input costs—particularly flour, sugar, and fuel—are putting pressure on margins.
“Input costs have gone up, but we try to keep prices reasonable. Ramadan gives us the volume, which helps sustain our business,” said another bakery dealer.
With thousands of bakeries operating across Kashmir, the Ramadan–Eid period continues to drive one of the Valley’s most vibrant seasonal economies. As Chand Raat approaches, the aroma of freshly baked kulchas and baqerkhani once again fills the air—signalling not just Eid celebrations, but a Rs 50-crore bakery boom across Kashmir
