Ahead of festival, shopping hubs in city stay abuzz with Eid buyers till midnight
Times of India | 29 March 2025
1234 Kolkata: Shopping hubs in the city, including New Market and surroundings, which usually close by 9.30pm, have been staying open as late as 11.30 at night to cater to the rush of last-minute Eid shoppers. Hawkers on the streets are keeping their makeshift stalls open till midnight, and at some places, beyond.
With the final weekend before the festival approaching, buyer footfall has peaked, leading to a windfall for traders, who hope to offset portions of the losses they are facing in the absence of Bangladeshi tourists this time of the year. New Market, known for its festive shopping appeal, has turned into a spectacle of lights, sounds and colours. By evening, approach roads to the area are being barricaded to streamline shoppers' movements. "This has been a good season so far. We expect a further surge in shoppers' footfall this last weekend ahead of Eid," said Waqar Ahmed Khan, who owns a shop on Lindsay Street. "As most people are coming to the market after sunset, after breaking their fast, shops are staying open till late at night."
Outlets selling footwear are fast running out of stock. Salman Sheikh, owner of a shoe stall on Bertram Street, said, "Kolhapuris and embroidered mojris are in demand. Jutis with heavy embellishments are also popular this season among women, while men are opting for leather slip-ons."
In the New Market area, even Sreeram Arcade and Treasure Island, are staying open till late at night. "Shopping at New Market before Eid is a tradition in our family. The variety of clothes, the thrill of browsing and the festive lights make for an exciting experience," said Tarannum Ahmed, a second-year student.
Several Eid-themed pop-ups and exhibitions across the city have also been drawing big crowds. The Eid Souk on Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road earlier this month, featured clothes and household items. Another pop-up at a banquet hall last week offered an array of festive clothes, accessories and even household items. "We are seeing a growing interest in curated shopping experiences," said Afsha Kalim, who organised an Eid pop-up in Beck Bagan. "These pop-ups provide a unique platform for boutique brands and homegrown designers, and the response has been excellent."
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