Markets abuzz ahead of Eid

BHOPAL: As the month of Ramzan is nearing end, markets in old and new Bhopal are buzzing with people on a shopping spree. For some, last-minute buying is customary ahead of Eid.
On a normal day, things start moving only around noon in Chowk Bazaar in the heart of old Bhopal. Obviously, with just three days to go for Id, shutters are up early and shops remain open till late into night as no one wants to lose out on business.
As the sun went down on Thursday night, past the call of the last evening prayer, the streets were nearly jam-packed. "What can I say. This is the only time I get to shop. I know, it is late but there's still time," said Sadia Khan. Like many others, she is part of the bustle of last-minute shopping.
"We have almost made it a ritual. Some are here just to enjoy strolling through," said Imran Shah, a shopkeeper. Last-minute shopping accounts for nearly 50% of business all season long, according to Shah.
"With time, trend has changed," explained 62-year-old Vinod Agarwal, relaxing on gao-takkkiya. "Early one person came and bought clothes for five. Now it's the opposite, five people come to help one buy," he added.
Some are easy about the trend, some are not comfortable. "Business acchaa hai. Kush raho," said Imran. There is never a better time, than now.
For different look this season!
Looking for a corridor, this festive season? According to fashion expert Mumtaz Khan, look for bold embroidery with lots of shimmer to make a sensational garment purchase. Here are top five picks.
Anarkali - accentuating flares with classy neckline embroidery backed with velvet and gold borders on the net dupatta - always gorgeous, flowy and voluminous anarkali
Suits from across the border - semi-stitched suits with crochet work 'Karachi suits'. The long flirting kurta's have caught the imagination of many. "8/10 suits we sell are Karachi suits," said Arif Ali.
The crush - Everlasting style of the Bhopali taang pajama, meters is worn with flared kurta. Also worn with traditional Bhopali suit.
Chamak Dikhla Jaa - Bling-bling and get bold. Lots of embroidery, chamak and dhamak on your suit, suits best
Stylish Net Dupatta - adds to the shimmer
Last-minute tailoring:
Back then there wasn't any instant coffee nor readymade clothes. Brewing was tedious, much like stitching clothes. But for unprepared few, Id always came a bit too early. There was hope in tailors like Mehfoz Ali, who could stitch overnight - in time for Id namaz in the morning.
Now in his seventies, one would be mistaken to judge him by his spectacles. He is still in the league of a few, 'rafoo' specialists in the city. His finesse can hide the deepest of cuts on ones coat or sherwani.
For the most part of his career, Mehfoz Miyan worked at Evandore tailors in Ibrahimpura. Old timers still swear by its owner Majeed Sahab. The late comers were usually ones who lived outside the city and visited the city for Id. "One we readied a shirt and pant in flat three hours," said Mehfoz.
"If we promised, we delivered. We never failed to keep a promise," said Mehfoz. So can he do it now? "It's all readymade, now. Tailoring is not the same anymore," he said.
Anwar Fahim Ramzan favourites:
Eat and live healthy is the motto for Anwar Fahim and his wife Ghazala Anwar even during Ramzan. "It's a time for reflection and restraint," said Anwar Bhai, the grandson of Nawab Pathari - Abdul Raheem Khan. The Barakzai dynasty was the ruling family of the state of Pathari, who descended from the founder of Bhopal, Dost Muhammed. The princely state was under the administrative control of the Bhopal State.
"We avoid oil. Non-gravy is most liked this season," said Ghazala Bia.
- Dates
- Crispi's like papad
- Bhajiye
- Fruit salad
- Chicken sandwich or shawarma for Sehri