With Eid just around the corner, the festive spirit is in full swing, and shopping for family members is well underway. People are busy picking out clothes, shoes, and accessories for their loved ones in preparation for the celebration.
On Friday, March 14, visits to Gausia, Chandni Chowk, and Newmarket in the capital revealed bustling markets. These areas attract shoppers from all over Dhaka and neighbouring regions, thanks to the convenience of having numerous shops and a wide variety of products in one place. The crowds are especially thick during any festive occasion, and Eid is no exception. This year, shopping for Eid started early, even at the beginning of Ramadan.
Shoppers of all ages, from children to adults, were seen browsing the markets. Many people said they chose to shop early to avoid the crowded rush closer to Eid.
Vendors are hopeful, as they expect a surge in sales during Eid, just as in previous years. They noted, however, that the crowds tend to peak in the evenings, particularly between sunset and 10 PM.
Fahima Akter, who travelled from Jatrabari to Newmarket, said, "I buy clothes for my family and relatives from Newmarket every year. The crowds will grow soon, so I decided to shop early this time."
Minha Tabassum, another shopper, mentioned, "I'm going to my village next week, so I came to buy clothes for my family. With so many shops here, it's easy to find exactly what I need."
The markets feature a wide range of clothing options, with many customers opting for lightweight, comfortable clothes suitable for the warm weather. Prices for three-piece outfits start from 700 taka, going up to 5,000 taka, while sarees range from 1,200 taka to 8,000 taka. Vendors explained that these are mid-range prices, although higher-end clothes are also available. Still, the demand for moderately priced items remains higher.
Cotton sarees are particularly in demand this year, with many showcasing handwork, machine embroidery, screen printing, block prints, and hand-painted floral and geometric designs. Other popular choices include handloom sarees, half-silk sarees with Jamdani prints, and cotton sarees. Popular colours include light green, sky blue, beige, grey, and pale pink. Half-silk and handloom sarees are priced between 1,000 to 2,500 taka, while silk, muslin, and georgette sarees featuring embroidery, cutwork, beadwork, and zari detailing are available from 1,500 to 12,000 taka.
Jewellery is also a major draw during Eid shopping. In Gausia and Chandni Chowk, the markets are filled with German silver and Indian jewellery. Necklaces, earrings, and bangles made of silver, featuring meenakari work, artificial pearls, and stones, are popular. Other items include mirrors, fabric, and thread-based jewellery. Metal and wooden rings start at 100 taka, while a set of German silver necklaces and earrings can be found for 250 to 400 taka. Long earrings range from 400 to 600 taka. Velvet-covered glass bangles are sold in sets of 12 for 150 to 200 taka, and simple silk glass bangles are available for as low as 50 taka. The current price of 22-carat silver is 2,577 taka, and 18-carat silver is priced at 2,110 taka. Jewellery design costs vary, with labour charges starting at 500 taka.
In addition to clothing, many customers are purchasing new bags and shoes to complement their Eid outfits. This year, both local and Western styles of shoes and bags are in vogue. In Newmarket and Gausia, a variety of shoes, including traditional Indian Nagras, are available for 300 to 400 taka, while Western-style shoes, such as sneakers, range from 1,000 to 2,000 taka.
Leather shoes are also on sale at Newmarket, starting from 1,000 taka, while leather bags range from 1,200 to 2,000 taka. In Chandni Chowk’s third-floor shops, branded bags such as Crisabela, Robo Tiffany, Saiba, and Cristina & Oak are priced between 2,500 to 3,500 taka, while non-branded bags on the lower floors can be found for 300 to 600 taka.
For Eid, heavy blouses are typically chosen to pair with sarees. Handcrafted katran blouses are priced at 350 taka, while cotton blouses for sarees are available for 300 taka.
Traders say that Eid shopping picked up pace starting last Friday. Although sales are still growing, they anticipate higher sales this year compared to previous years.
Men's T-shirts are available from 150 to 400 taka, while jeans range from 500 to 2,000 taka. Shirts are priced between 500 and 1,000 taka. Footpath markets outside the main stores have also become crowded with shoppers.
Vendors on the footpaths mention that, without the burden of shop rent, they can offer lower prices. As a result, many customers are flocking to the footpath markets for more affordable options.
Asiful Alam, a shopkeeper from Newmarket, said, "Every year, we expect strong sales before Eid, and this year is no different. Sales are picking up, and the crowds have started coming. In a few days, the crowds will grow even larger, and we are hoping for strong sales."
A vendor from Chandrima Supermarket in Newmarket said, "Sales have just begun, and as Eid gets closer, we expect sales to rise. We are hopeful for good sales this year."
As usual, the markets are packed with shoppers in the lead-up to Eid. To ensure safety, a police control room has been set up, with additional police personnel stationed around the markets.
