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Hectic but careless Eid shopping in city


Published : 05 May 2021 10:02 PM | Updated : 06 May 2021 12:24 AM

Most of the residents of the capital are passing busy hours for Eid shopping. Meanwhile, the sellers are hopeful that if public transport resumes today, sales and customers gatherings would increase eventually. Sales of sidewalk shopkeepers have also increased.

Shops and shopping malls reopened their doors over a week ago, on the condition of strictly following Covid-19 guidelines amid lockdown. However, many people were in a rush to complete their shopping ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. Customers were seen flouting health safety rules and ignoring social distancing.

The capital is currently experiencing its regular level of heavy traffic. City dwellers are actively moving inside the malls and marketplaces in order to satisfy their festive needs.

Eid means new clothes and hence in the midst of the pandemic, the crowds of customers are increasing in various shopping malls and markets.

Since the last few days, New Market, Gawsia, Chandnichak, Chandrima Super Market and nearby shops have been busy. As the days progress, the crowd grows. Hygiene was neglected in many cases. The sellers are hoping to make up for the loss incurred during the commercial lockdown by increasing the sales.

The women's and children's clothing stores are the most crowded place in the market along with the cosmetics and jewelry stores.

Sales have also increased in sidewalk shops outside shopping malls. Vendors breathe a sigh of relief at the opportunity to sell ahead of Eid after a long interval.

“People target to make certain purchases this time. People buy clothes to celebrate Eid”, a customer said.

Another customer said, “Last year’s Eid was very dull. This year, maintaining the health measures, we are being able to celebrate Eid and we are looking to make the most of it”.

During iftar, people were seen sitting in groups on the floors of malls to have their food.

Although there are awareness protocols that need to be followed at the entrance of malls and marketplaces, in order to maintain hygiene rules, there seems to be no regulation inside. Face masks of many have been seen dangling from chins and some with no masks at all.