FAISALABAD, Mar 13: A massive surge of shoppers has gripped markets and shopping centers across Faisalabad as the people intensified preparations for the upcoming Eidul Fitr 2026.
The commercial hubs have started witnessing extraordinary crowds and vibrant trading activity during the last decade of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak commenced.
A survey conducted across the city revealed that the festive spirit has significantly increased commercial activity in major bazaars, shopping plazas and roadside stalls where the families are thronging to purchase clothes, jewelry, shoes, cosmetics, bangles and other accessories for Eid celebrations.
The rush has particularly intensified as the holy month enters its third Ashra which is traditionally considered the peak period for Eid shopping.
Major commercial centers of the city including Jhang Bazaar, Rail Bazaar, Katchery Bazaar, Aminpur Bazaar, Montgomery Bazaar and Chiniot Bazaar remained packed with shoppers throughout the day and late into the night which is reflecting the growing excitement associated with the upcoming festival.
Similarly, modern shopping destinations such as D-Ground Commercial Area, Kohinoor City, Susan Road markets, Sitara Mall, Lyallpur Galleria and various shopping plazas along Canal Road also experienced a remarkable influx of visitors.
The traders and shopkeepers reported a significant increase in business compared to the early weeks of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak, stating that the final days before Eid traditionally bring the highest sales volumes.
The garment shops offering stitched and embroidered dresses were among the busiest outlets particularly those displaying colorful lawn, chiffon and festive collections designed for women and young girls.
The women were seen showing keen interest in ready-made dresses, heavily embroidered outfits and designer suits while children enthusiastically visited shops selling trendy clothing, footwear and festive accessories.
The shops dealing in artificial jewelry, bangles, mehndi cones, cosmetics and beauty products also witnessed continuous streams of buyers.
The traditional bangle and mehndi stalls set up along bazaars added further color to the festive environment where young girls and women gathered to select matching bangles and get their hands decorated with intricate henna designs ahead of Eid celebrations.
The footwear shops particularly those selling sandals and traditional khussas also experienced brisk sales as the customers searched for matching items to complement their Eid dresses.
The food stalls and temporary vendors selling sweets, dry fruits and traditional snacks also benefited from the increased footfall in markets, turning several commercial areas into lively night bazaars where the families continued shopping until late hours.
However, several citizens expressed concern over rising prices of garments, cosmetics and accessories, alleging that some shopkeepers had increased rates during the peak shopping period.
According to the customers visiting various markets, self-imposed price hikes by certain retailers have made Eid shopping difficult for low-income families already struggling with inflation.
They urged the district administration and market committees to ensure strict monitoring of prices and prevent overcharging by traders so that the people from all income groups can celebrate the festival with equal joy and enthusiasm.
Despite price concerns, the festive atmosphere remained vibrant across Faisalabad as colorful lights, decorated shop displays and crowded walkways reflected the traditional excitement associated with Eid-ul-Fitr.
The families continued visiting markets after Iftar, turning many commercial centers into bustling hubs of socioeconomic activity.
The shopkeepers expressed optimism that business would further increase during the remaining days before Eid as more people complete their last-minute purchases.
The traders said that Eid season plays a vital role in boosting the local economy and supporting thousands of small businesses, street vendors and artisans who rely heavily on seasonal sales.
The market associations also highlighted that the extraordinary rush of shoppers demonstrates the resilience of Faisalabad’s commercial sector, which continues to serve as one of the most vibrant retail hubs in Punjab.
Eid shopping traditions in Faisalabad also reflect cultural vibrancy of the city and strong family-oriented social structure, where shopping trips often turn into festive outings for entire families.
As the Eid-ul-Fitr approaching rapidly, the commercial centers across Faisalabad are expected to witness even larger crowds in the coming days particularly during the last three nights of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak when the markets typically remain open until late hours to facilitate the shoppers completing their Eid preparations.
