A holiday mood prevailed in the city on Thursday which led to thin attendance in government and private offices than witnessed during normal days. As the federal government has announced 5 days holidays for Eid ul Fitr from Friday to Tuesday (July 17 to July 21), officials of various provincial and federal government departments have gone on leave from Thursday itself.
It is observed that although Thursday was the last working day, the govt and private sector employees who were present in the offices also in a mood of holiday in hurry to go home earlier. It was also observed that attendance at semi-government and private sector departments remained low as large number of the people had left the city to celebrate Eid with their near and dear ones in their native towns. Most of the employees from outside the city had packed for their home towns on Wednesday evening.
However, a holiday rush was seen in the garments shops and jewellery shops in the city. With more holidays ahead, this rush is likely to see an increase. With Eid approaching, some families had decided to make a brisk shopping ahead of the festival. Shopkeepers said buyers are very conscious about the quality of cloth and prices. The price of average quality fabric has increased almost 60 to 70 per cent as compared to last year.
Every year a large number of Eid Bachat bazaars were established at different places. This year no such Bachat bazaar was established at nay place in the city. Eid Bachat bazaars were organized to facilitate general public to get products at discount rates to celebrate Eid. The restaurants and hotels in the city too are likely to do good business in the coming days, with many city folk preferring to dine out.