Bustling Rajshahi Eid markets; luxury malls to street stalls

A vibrant shopping rush has swept through Rajshahi city ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, with markets, shopping malls and roadside stalls bustling with eager customers buying clothes, shoes and fashion accessories.

From the city's traditional commercial hub, Saheb Bazar, to New Market and RDA Market, crowds of shoppers are thronging stores from morning until late at night as Eid approaches.

Traders say sales have been increasing steadily since the second week of Ramadan.

Sidewalk markets in the Saheb Bazar area and along the RDA Market stretch remain especially popular among lower and middle-income shoppers.

Temporary roadside stalls displaying colourful clothing, sandals and shoes have drawn large numbers of customers searching for affordable Eid outfits.

Vendors said buyers prefer the street markets because products are available at comparatively lower prices.

A shoe seller at Saheb Bazar said, "We have brought different varieties of shoes for Eid and set prices according to customers' purchasing capacity. Sales were slow initially, but they are picking up as Eid draws nearer."

Large shopping malls in the city are also witnessing a surge in visitors. Markets such as New Market and Theme Omar Plaza have become crowded with families looking for fashionable outfits and accessories.

During a visit to RDA Market yesterday evening, customers were seen crowding every floor of the shopping complex, with shops displaying newly arrived local and international clothing collections for Eid.

Salespersons said the number of shoppers was relatively low at the beginning of Ramadan but started increasing from the second week. They added that the biggest rush of customers usually occurs in the evening hours.

Anwar Hossain, who came with his family from Paba upazila for Eid shopping, expressed joy at visiting the bustling market.

"I came on the weekly holiday so that I could shop with my family. Buying new clothes together makes the Eid celebration more joyful," he said.

Jewellery shops and fashion accessory stores are also experiencing brisk sales, with traders describing the days before Eid as the busiest period of the year.

Business owners said the number of shoppers may increase further in the coming days as many salaried employees have already received their monthly pay.

People from different upazilas of Rajshahi are now flocking to the city for Eid shopping.

Many families are also choosing Theme Omar Plaza, which offers a food court and entertainment facilities alongside shopping.

With colourful displays of new outfits and the cheerful buzz of customers, Rajshahi's markets have turned festive, reflecting the growing excitement and joy of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.