Sargodha gears up for Chand Raat festivities with zeal

SARGODHA, Mar 20 (APP):As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, a vibrant and festive atmosphere has taken over Sargodha, with citizens, especially women and young girls, actively preparing for Chand Raat celebrations.
Markets across the city are witnessing a surge in activity as families throng shopping areas to buy bangles, clothes, perfumes, and matching footwear for the upcoming festival. Shops decorated with colorful buntings and lights have become centers of attraction, reflecting the spirit of Eid.
Busy commercial areas, particularly Cantonment and Fatima Jinnah Road Market, are bustling with shoppers. Stalls selling bangles and henna have drawn large crowds, offering a wide variety of traditional accessories in vibrant colors.
Zaib-ul-Nissa, a 25-year-old shopper at Urdu Bazaar, shared her excitement, saying that buying bangles and applying henna always doubles the joy of Eid. She added that she planned to return on Chand Raat to get her hands decorated with intricate designs.
For many young girls, spending Chand Raat in markets with friends, purchasing accessories, and applying henna remains a cherished tradition. Henna tattoos have also gained popularity as a convenient alternative, especially among younger shoppers.
Local Sargodha-made bangles have gained significant popularity, attracting large numbers of customers ahead of Chand Raat. Key shopping hubs, including Shaheen Chowk and various blocks of the city, are packed with a wide range of local and imported products.
Shopping centers such as Sargodha Trade Centre, along with Shaheen and Meena bazaars, are experiencing increased footfall, offering shoppers access to both local and international brands.
Despite the festive enthusiasm, many citizens have expressed concern over rising prices, particularly for children’s clothing and footwear, which they say has affected affordability for lower- and middle-income groups.
A significant rush has also been observed at ready-made garment shops after tailors stopped taking new orders due to high demand. Meanwhile, locally made Sargodha chappals continue to attract youth due to their affordability compared to imported options.
With Chand Raat just around the corner, excitement continues to build, and the city is expected to witness even larger crowds in the coming days as residents gear up to celebrate Eid with traditional fervor.