Eid shopping peaks as bangles, henna stalls charm Peshawar’s girls

PESHAWAR, Mar 16 (APP): As the holy month of Ramazan nears its end, the streets and bazaars of Peshawar are glowing with colour, laughter, and anticipation.

In markets across the city, the sparkle of Kashmiri bangles and the fragrance of fresh henna have become irresistible attractions for girls and women preparing for Eidul Fitr.

From the bustling stalls of Meena bazaar to the lively lanes of Cantonment and Karimpura markets, families pour in after Iftari, turning the shopping hubs into vibrant scenes of festivity.

Shops decorated with buntings and bright lights beckon visitors, while the rhythmic clinking of bangles and the intricate strokes of henna artists capture the spirit of the approaching festival.

Young girls, many accompanied by their parents, can be seen eagerly selecting colourful bangles, matching them with their new Eid dresses and shoes.

For them, the tradition of buying bangles and decorating hands with henna is not just shopping rather it is an emotional ritual that marks the arrival of Eid.

Eleven-year-old Anaya Bibi, shopping with her father at Meena bazaar, could hardly hide her excitement.

“Shopping for bangles and henna tattoos always doubles the joy of Eid,” she said with a smile. “I have already bought my bangles and clothes, but I will come back on Chand Raat to decorate my hands with henna experts.”

Henna stalls, lined with small cones of fragrant paste and pictures of elaborate floral patterns, remain among the busiest spots in the markets. Artists patiently craft delicate designs on eager hands, while some girls opt for temporary henna tattoos, a modern twist that has become increasingly popular among the younger generation.

For many families, the night of Chand Raat carries special significance. Markets remain open late into the night as girls gather with friends and relatives to apply henna, buy final accessories, and soak in the festive atmosphere that signals the end of Ramazan.

Shopping centres across the city, including Hayatabad malls, Tipu Sultan Road, Peshawar Trade Centre, Shaheen Bazaar, and the historic Qissa Khwani market, are witnessing a surge in visitors.

“These days, people take interest in cotton suits and lawn prints as a special Eid offer,” Fayaz Ali, a fabric dealer at Shafi market, told APP.

Alongside traditional accessories, shops offer a wide range of local and international cosmetics, perfumes, and clothing brands to meet the diverse tastes of shoppers.

Despite the lively scenes, many buyers say rising prices have made Eid shopping more challenging this year. Several shoppers said that the increasing cost of clothing, cosmetics, and accessories has strained the budgets of salaried and lower-income families.

Meanwhile, top tailors across the city have already closed their order books due to an overwhelming workload, pushing many customers toward ready-made garments as the only practical option for last-minute purchases.

Footwear stalls are also drawing crowds, particularly those selling the traditional Peshawari chappal being a symbol of local craftsmanship that remains popular among the youth.

“My Eid feels incomplete without Peshawari chappal,” said Umar Riaz, an employee of the Education Department living near University Road. “It is comfortable, durable, and more economical compared to many foreign-made shoes.”

As Chand Raat approaches, the festive rush continues to build in Peshawar’s markets. Amid rising prices and crowded streets, the excitement of Eid reflected in the sparkle of bangles and the deep hue of henna remains as strong as ever, bringing smiles to the faces of young shoppers across the city.