MULTAN, Nov 22: Markets are abuzz as the most auspicious and religious festival of Muslims, Eidul Fitr, draws near.

Women of all ages and segments of society throng bazaars and shopping malls. They can be seen haggling with tricky shopkeepers, leaving no stone unturned to fleece them.

Garments as well as shoe traders are doing a roaring business while bangle sale is slowly picking up. Eid card sellers have set up stalls outside shops to attract potential buyers in maximum numbers. Beauty parlours and tailors are overbooked. They have no time even to take a catnap.

Making of vermicelli, an important Eid dish, is in full swing. They are one of the traditional gifts usually sent to dear and near ones when Eid moon is sighted.

The transport sector will go in for an overkill as soon as government holidays start next week.

Overloaded buses and trains will shuttle from Karachi to Khyber. Airlines are also overbooked.

It is also time for the indigent, the handicapped and the crippled to receive maximum alms and charity from the affluent as zakat and fitrana.—APP