Muslims prepare for Eid al-Fitr holiday

Описание: (18 Aug 2012) STORYLINE:
With Islam's holiest festival of Eid el-Fitr approaching, people thronged the markets of Karachi on Friday evening.
Bazaars, markets and shopping malls were illuminated and open late into the night across the city of 18 (m) million ahead of the Eid holiday, which marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Military security was visible on the streets, but despite a threat of violence and hustling, markets were bustling with festive anticipation.
Traders selling colourful dresses, jewellery, shoes, sandals and other fashion and beauty accessories were especially busy.
It was the same story in both poor and upmarket areas of the city, with people forgetting economic woes and spending what money they have.
Women and young girls, some waiting patiently for hours, were eagerly having their hands decorated with Mehndi (Henna), jewellery, and bangles.
One beautician at a women-only market, Shehla Ahmed, said that although they offered a full range of beauty treatment, Mehndi decoration was the most popular.
Clothes and accessories are available across the price spectrum, and inevitably they are more affordable for some than others.
Even so, with the economic downturn in the country, partly due to the situation regarding law and order, many are unhappy with price rises.
According to estimates, the number of Pakistanis living below the poverty level has increased to almost 40 per cent from 25 per cent some five years ago.


Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter:   / ap_archive  
Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​
Instagram:   / apnews  


You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...