(14 Jun 2018) LEADIN  
The rush is on to prepare for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, celebrated at the end of Ramadan.
In Pakistan, it's expected that the sighting of the crescent moon that ends Ramadan will happen in the next day or two.
STORYLINE :
As Ramadan draws to an end, people across Pakistan are thronging shopping markets to buy clothes, shoes, shawls and jewelry for their loved ones to celebrate the festival Eid-ul-Fitr.
University student Rabi Khan says the she is enjoying shopping, but is a little sad that Ramadan is almost over.
" I have almost done my Eid shopping, but some items I  still have to buy. I am here to buy a pair of Khusa (traditional shoe). It's a great atomsphere everywhere but I am feeling sad that the holy month Ramadan is ending, but on other hand I am very excited that Eid-ul-Fitar is coming. So, I am shopping and enjoying it a lot ".
It is important to look your best at the Eid festivities and women browse shops full of cosmetics, henna and bangles, which are amongst the most sought items.
" Apparently Eid is a festival of happiness and obviously shopping for Eid is only complete when you have bought henna and bangles " says shopper Sumaria Faisal.
After iftar, the breaking of the daily Ramadan fast, is when the markets are their busiest, as night time brings lower temperatures and many shops remain open even after midnight.
For these artisans patiently sewing decorative beads to clothing this is the busiest time of year.
Craftsman Jabbar Hussain says the desire for new clothes at Eid brings welcome business for them.
" Now a days mostly people buy ready-made clothes instead of hand-made embroidered clothes. The shopkeepers order us for samples and we are in our normal routine at the moment. ".
Tailor Mohammad Shiraz agrees " when the season changes, the work flow increases. This time with the weather changing we have Eid too, so I have good business" he says.
Many shoppers are hoping for a bargain and are prepared to negotiate to get the best price.
" Prices are reasonable in this market. If the shopkeeper demands more, we bargain. So, you can see the sale, like 400 rupees for a sandal  ($3.50). The shoes are good quality and at an affordable price" explains shopper Mubashir Ali.
Eid is expected to be celebrated on Friday or Saturday, depending upon the sighting of the moon.

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