Shoppers throng markets ahead of Ugadi and Eid

Belagavi

Preparations are under way to celebrate Ugadi and Ramzan across district, bringing a new lease of life to markets. People are flocking to the markets to buy essential items for the Ugadi celebrations on Sunday and the Ramzan festival on Monday.

Ugadi, the festival that marks the beginning of the year in Hindu tradition, is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is customary for Hindus to celebrate Ugadi, the festival of neem (bitter) and jaggery (sweet), with traditional rituals.

According to the Hindu calendar,   Ugadi Padya celebration will be held on Sunday. This has led to an increased vehicle congestion on the roads in the market area. Crowds are seen in textile shops, footwear shops, flower markets, sweet shops, decorative item shops, and vegetable shops.

Prakash Kurgund, a customer from Belagavi, said the prices of flowers and fruits have increased in the run up to Ugadi. There is also a huge demand for decorative items. People are interested in buying new items for the first festival of the New Year. Many stores have announced special discounts on the occasion.

Many from the Muslim community, who fast throughout the day, head to the market with their families after breaking their fast in the evening. Shoppers can be seen enjoying their favourite snacks, sweets, dates, dry fruits, juices, and ice cream at the markets.

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 MLA Asif Raju said  said the city has a tradition of celebrating all festivals in peace and harmony. The same will continue this year as well, he said.