Dull markets, weak animal sales cast shadow over eid preparations in Pulwama, Shopian
Pulwama: The usual festive rush ahead of Eid-ul-Adha is missing from markets across south Kashmir’s Pulwama and Shopian districts this year, as traders and livestock dealers report poor business activity and weak sales of sacrificial animals.
From garment shops and bakeries to kitchenware stores and livestock markets, traders say customer footfall has dropped significantly compared to previous years, reflecting the financial strain being faced by many households.
In Shopian, market areas that usually remain crowded in the days leading up to Eid are witnessing only sparse movement, with most customers limiting purchases to essential items and same is the condition in Pulwama.
Gulzar Ahmad Mir, owner of Bright Kitchen Ware in Pulwama, said prices of household goods have increased considerably over the past few months, affecting consumer spending.
“People are avoiding unnecessary shopping because prices have gone up sharply. Customers are only purchasing basic items and delaying other expenses due to financial uncertainty,” he said.
He added that Eid seasons in previous years used to bring brisk business activity, but this time markets are comparatively silent.
Livestock markets are also witnessing a major slump, with traders saying sales of sacrificial animals have declined sharply.
Rashid Ahmad, a livestock dealer from Shopian, said business this year has been extremely disappointing.
“Compared to previous Eid seasons, animal sales have fallen drastically. Buyers are visiting markets, checking rates, but many leave without making purchases because of rising expenses and limited affordability,” he said.
Another dealer from Pulwama said traders who transported animals from outside districts are struggling to recover even transportation and feeding costs due to weak demand.
Similar scenes are being witnessed in neighbouring Pulwama district, where shopkeepers and livestock traders say the festive mood remains subdued.
Mushtaq Ahmad, a garment shop owner in Pulwama town, said customer flow in markets has remained unusually low despite Eid approaching fast.
“Normally, markets remain packed during these days, especially in evenings, but this year business is very dull. Families are spending cautiously and focusing only on necessities,” he said.
Bashir Ahmad, a livestock trader in Pulwama, said sales in animal markets have remained far below expectations.
“People are delaying purchases till the last moment, while many are unable to buy sacrificial animals because of financial pressures. Traders are worried as the response this year is very weak,” he said.
Bakery owners and shopkeepers dealing in readymade garments also echoed similar concerns, saying the pre-Eid business which usually sustains them for weeks has failed to pick up momentum this season.
Traders across both districts expressed hope that market activity may improve slightly in the final days before Eid-ul-Adha, though many fear that the overall business this year will remain far below normal levels.
