PESHAWAR, Aug 18: People of Peshawar who had seen the worst kind of suicide attacks and bombings at public places in past few years have developed immunity to such threats, especially when it comes to celebrating special occasions like Eid.

Despite security threats to crowds in provincial capital, people thronged the main shopping centres and women also went to buy bangles, clothes and henna in preparation for Eidul Fitr. Earlier, families and women did not come out in the evening for shopping on occasions like Eid due to strict cultural traditions and security threats.

“It is a new trend in Peshawar that fairs  or “Eid Melas” are being held,” said Shahida who had come to buy bangles and get henna prints on her palms at a fair held at Women Business Development Centre.

Another such fair was being held at Peshawar Club and Dean’s Shopping Mall where a large number of families had come out to simply enjoy the shopping and Eid rush.

“Families coming out for shopping and outings is a new trend,” said Sara who was getting her palms decorated with henna paste. There were rumours of attacks on the eve of Eid at such crowds, but a common shopper seemed least bothered to pay heed to such threats.

This time the provincial government has made special security arrangements at main roads leading to markets and the main Saddar market, and families are coming to enjoy Eid shopping.

The main entry points to Saddar bazaar were closed for motorists and the main University Road with shopping plazas on both sides was abuzz with shoppers.

The hot and humid weather and fasting kept the shoppers at home all the day and families started coming out in the evenings for Eid shopping. The last week saw the worst traffic jams on city roads, as shoppers remained busy till midnight in bazaars. This was a new trend in Peshawar too as earlier bazaars closed down early in the evenings.

“I have come to buy clothes for my children and ready-to-wear clothes are a good option in summer,” said Anila. Also, frequent power outages have made it difficult for people to get their clothes sewn from tailors on time so many people are seen buying readymade clothes for themselves.

“I work in the day and had not time to buy clothes for my children so I am buying readymade clothes, as Eid is just around the corner,” said Dr Shabana, standing at kids’ wear shop. She said readymade clothes were a better option for working women, who found no time to get cloth and get it tailored in time.

“People are enjoying themselves as they are fed up with security threats,” said Salim Khan who had come to Army Stadium Park with his family. The park remained open throughout Ramazan for families who came out after iftar. Besides, beauty parlours also saw rush of girls for facials, haircuts, waxing and henna.