Markets across the valley witnessed a good rush on Thursday with the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, while people were busy stocking up on fruits and dates.
Sajad Ahmad, a Srinagar resident told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that breaking the fast with dates is Sunnah (a Prophetic way) and Muslims across the world including Kashmir consume dates in this holy month in large quantities. “Apart from Sunnah, dates have health benefits,” he said.
Parvez Ahmad, a wholesale and retail dealer of dates in Srinagar said this year they have 50 to 60 varieties of dates on display, mostly Saudi dates.
“The prices of dates range from Rs 250 to Rs 1,500 per kg, and the majority of the dates in the market are from Saudi Arabia,” he said, adding, “We also have dates from other countries.”
Parvez said there is a steep hike in rates compared to last year but that they are anticipating good sales as the holy month progresses. “Ideally, the first 10 to 15 days of the holy month record good sale of dates as people also purchase full boxes to make arrangements for Iftaars at Masjids and Darul-Ulooms. We also make special baskets of dates as gift packs,” he said.
Another date seller in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk area said this year’s sales are comparatively low due to rising prices. “But we are hopeful of making more sales as the month progresses,” he said—(KNO)