Patna: Markets across the state capital witnessed heavy footfall on Wednesday as residents made last-minute purchases ahead of Eid-ul-Zuha (Bakrid), which will be celebrated on May 28. Preparations for special prayers also entered the final stage, with arrangements being completed at Gandhi Maidan, Haj Bhawan, Eidgahs and mosques across the city.Shopping hubs such as Patna Market, Boring Road, Raja Bazaar, Kankarbagh and Phulwarisharif remained crowded till late in the evening. Sabzibagh, a traditional shopping destination for the festival, saw high activity, with buyers thronging narrow lanes for attar (fragrance), skullcaps, dry fruits, home décor items and clothes. Shoppers were seen bargaining for kurtas, suits, footwear and gift items, while tailors worked overtime to deliver last-minute stitched garments.Bakeries across the city also reported brisk business throughout the day. Customers queued up to buy lachachas, seviyans (vermicelli), nan and bakarkhani. Shopkeepers said nan was being sold between Rs 40 and Rs 120 per piece, while regular bakarkhani ranged from Rs 50 to Rs 200. The premium ‘shahi bakarkhani’, enriched with dry fruits, was priced at Rs 200 and above.Mohd Arman, manager of a bakery in Sabzibagh, said additional staff had been hired to meet demand. “Our ovens have been running non-stop for the past few days. Customers prefer fresh and crisp products for their Eid meals, and we are working round the clock,” he said.Another bakery owner, Ishteyaque Ahmad, said the rush had increased steadily over the past few days. “Apart from rotis, we are selling different varieties of vermicelli, including roasted ones, priced between Rs 50 and Rs 200 per packet,” he said.Attar shops also witnessed a surge in buyers. Jamal Ahmed, who runs a fragrance store in Sabzibagh, said sales had nearly tripled compared to normal days. “Traditional attars like rose, jasmine and musk are in high demand as people prepare for Eid prayers and gatherings,” he said.Meanwhile, high footfall was recorded at the cattle market in Jaganpura–Jaduepath area, where over 1,000 sellers from across Bihar and states such as Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand brought goats and sheep for sale.On the administrative front, preparations for Eid prayers have been completed. The largest congregation is expected at Gandhi Maidan, where thousands of devotees are likely to gather. Officials said arrangements for cleanliness, drinking water and medical assistance have been ensured.
