Photo : BSS

By S M Zahid Hossain

KHULNA, March 24, 2025 (BSS) - As the Eid-ul-Fitr is approaching, the demand for traditional Eid prayer essentials such as new panjabis with attar (perfume) , caps (tupis) and prayer mats has surged in Khulna city markets.

After purchasing new clothes, buyers are flocking to shops for caps, perfumes, and prayer mats. Although sales of these religious items increased from the second week of Ramadan, the real business momentum starts after the 20th day of Ramadan will continue until the Eid prayer.

While visiting the Dawkbangla Market in the city today (Monday) morning the BSS correspondent witnessed a significant crowd at these Eid accessories stores. The northern and southern gates of Dawkbangla Mosque, along with adjacent footpath stalls, are packed with a variety of prayer-related items, including various types of tupis, tasbih, surma and attar. The Eid rush has noticeably boosted sales.

On the other hand, country made caps stores are also offering imported ones from Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, India, Dubai, Malaysia, and Turkey.

According to vendors , locally produced simple round tupis (caps) are priced between Tk 70 to Tk 200, while cotton tupis range from Tk 60 to Tk 250. Imported tupis are selling between Tk 350 to Tk 1,500, with prices varying based on design. Embroidered round tupis and tall Turkish tupis are generally more expensive, whereas mesh tupis and woollen tupis are slightly cheaper.

Nur Nabi, a tupi (cap) seller at Daulatpur Bazar, said that tupis from Turkey, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Malaysia are also in demand. Prices start at Tk 100 to Tk 10,000 depending on the design and fabric. Chinese and Pakistani tupis range start from Tk 150 to Tk 2,000, with Chinese tupis costing Tk 150 to Tk 350 and Pakistani ones at Tk 150 to Tk 650. While Indian tupis are priced from Tk 80 to Tk 800.

Azizul Islam, a shopper at the city's New Market areas said that, "I came to buy tupis for my two sons, aged five and seven. I bought long tupis for them and a round tupi for myself for the Eid prayer."

Also the sale of attar is hyping as Eid essentials, verity of attar available in the market from different countries.

However, most of attar in the Bangladeshi market is imported from the Middle East and many local brands have also gained popularity in this year. Fragrances such as Amber, Hugo Boss, Gucci, Romance, Silver, Misk Amber, and Jannatul Ferdous are particularly in demand. Also locally produced attar branded as "Oud" or "Agar" is attracting customers.

Popular attar fragrances in the market include Jasmine, Hasnahena, Rajanigandha, Exotic Belly, Silver, Chocolate Musk, Sultan, Ameer Al Kuwadi, Raja Open, Jannatul Ferdous, Royal, Tarang, Soft, Lord Nivea Men, Royal Mabrook, Rasa, Al Faris Best, Figo, and Hajr-e-Aswad.

Abu Jafar, an attar seller at Dawkbangla Marketsaid, as Eid approaches, sales is increasing. Older customers tend to prefer strong fragrances, while younger buyers opt for milder scents.

Vendors said the Small bottles of attar range from Tk 80 to Tk 500, while larger bottles cost between Tk 500 and Tk 1,500. For affluent customers, premium attars priced between Tk 2,000 to Tk 20,000 are also available.

This year, the market is witnessing a rise in domestically produced prayer mats alongside imported ones. Prayer mats from Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and even Belgium are also available.

Prices vary based on design, colour, and fabric quality, ranging from Tk 850 to Tk 5,000. Locally made prayer mats are comparatively more affordable, priced between Tk 500 to Tk 2,000, depending on fabric softness, size and design vendors told BSS.

As Eid approaching, temporary stalls have popped up across different parts of the city.

A resident of Gallamari area,Sirajul Alam is buying Islamic products at a temporary stall in front of Nirala Tabligh Mosque said, "I initially wanted a foreign prayer mat, but due to the high prices, I'm now considering a locally made one. The quality of local mats is quite good for the price.''

With the holy Eid-ul-Fitr festival drawing closer, business at these temporary shops will remain brisk until the morning of the Eid prayer.