ISLAMABAD  – The sale of traditional prayer beads (Tasbeeh), prayer mats (Jay’namaz) and prayer caps are on the rise in twin cities of Islamabad Rawalpindi, with the start of the holy month of Ramazan.It hasn’t taken long for people to throng the markets for their Ramazan essentials as well as other festive purchases even after the passage of two days of Ramazan.People make a beeline for their prayer caps, perfume, pagri, prayer mat, tasbeeh (beads) and scarves.Zakir Ahmed, who has put up a stall in front of the Lal Masjid while talking to this agency said, “We put up the stalls last Monday and people have come out in large numbers. In the past two days, the sale has been quite impressive.” In the month of Ramazan the beads have a particular appeal, constituting as they do one of the most popular gifts for friends.“Every year the demand goes up,” says Mohsin Ali, a bead-seller. “We import them from all over the world, from places such as Belgium, Italy, Russia, Thailand, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Turkey, Greece and Eastern European countries.”As their popularity grows, so does the need for purchasers to find ever-more exclusive and eye-grabbing types to stand out. Omer, a customer, was there to purchase prayer mats. He says, “It is customary for us to come to purchase prayer mats and holy books.” Like him there are many who come from nearby towns. Mohammad Siraj Khan said, “We have a lot of new stock. There is a huge demand for prayer beeds and Islamic books. A number of people also buy prayer mats. We have a wide variety stocked this month.” A shopkeeper Saleem in Aabpara told this agency that this year huge frames with holy text in the background with gold coloured edges are a novelty.” Janamaz come in different sizes. There is a tradition of people buying them and gifting to mosques. He said, “Sales go up by 30 to 50 per cent during Ramzan”.    Sayeed Hussain, a student said, “The religious fervour among people peaks during the holy month and people usually buying variety of goods in just one lane.”

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