PNS | DEHRADUN
In anticipation of the month-long observance of Ramzan, there has been a noticeable increase in the demand for dates, fruits and various other items in the major markets of the city including Paltan Bazaar, Hanuman Chowk and Jhanda Bazaar, among others. On the eve of the start of the period on Sunday, people were observed purchasing these essential items for Sehri and Iftar on Saturday. In light of this surge in demand, many street vendors of fruits and other goods have expressed their satisfaction regarding the rise in sales.
Notably, this year Ramzan will commence in India on March 2. A fruit vendor in Paltan Bazaar, Anish, expresses excitement over the heightened sales of fruits ahead of Ramzan. He said that since Saturday morning, customers had flocked to his stall, purchasing fruits in bulk for their Sehri and Iftar. He said that the sale of dates at his stall has increased significantly, as people prefer to break their Roza by consuming dates.
“Since this morning, I have sold nearly half of the fruits from my stall. Further, due to the heightened demand, the prices of fruits have also fluctuated with the onset of Ramzan. I have been purchasing apples at Rs 110 per kilogramme from the wholesale market to sell to customers at retail. However, that price has now risen to Rs 130 per kilogramme,” stated another fruit vendor, Rahul Kumar. He further said that it is anticipated that, with the beginning of Ramzan on March 2, fruit sales, particularly of dates, will increase by an average of 80 per cent throughout the month.
In addition to fruits, there has also been observable preparation among people in anticipation of Ramzan. Local resident Shabad Ali expressed enthusiasm for the onset of this period. He said that he has purchased all the necessary items for the first Sehri this year, which will take place on the morning of March 2. He said that he has acquired sevaiyan and fruits for Sehri. Additionally, he has also procured dates and other essential items for the month. He emphasised he prefers to break the fast with water and dates.
