Nawshaba Iqbal
SRINAGAR, Mar 20: “Kashmiri Choodiyan,” the stacked bangle, sets trending across markets in Kashmir, have become a central feature of Eid-ul-Fitr shopping this year, with traders reporting a sharp rise in demand in recent weeks.
Markets in Srinagar and other districts are witnessing increased footfall as shoppers step up Eid-related purchases, with the bangles becoming one of the most sought-after accessories this festive season.
Retailers said the demand picked up during Ramzan and intensified as Eid approached.
Mudasir Ahmad, a shopkeeper in Srinagar, said the spike in sales was both sudden and higher than expected.
“The demand has increased significantly over the last two weeks and the customer response has been overwhelming. We did not anticipate this scale of demand,” he said.
The bangles are typically sold in sets of four, six, or eight pieces, featuring a mix of golden bracelets with small bells paired with coloured glass bangles.
Traders said the sets are priced between Rs 300 and Rs 400, making them accessible to a wide range of buyers.
Shoppers said the trend has become an integral part of Eid preparations this year.
Soha, a customer, said purchasing bangles along with clothes remains a key part of festive shopping.
“This year, many people are specifically looking for these Kashmiri bangles and matching them with their outfits,” she said.
Several buyers attributed their interest to social media. Sehr, another shopper, said she decided to purchase the bangles after seeing them online.
“I came across them on Instagram reels and liked how they looked. They enhance the overall Eid appearance,” she said.
Traders noted that younger customers are driving the trend, often buying multiple sets to pair with different outfits.
They said social media platforms, particularly short video formats, have played a significant role in popularizing the accessory and influencing consumer choices.
Nikas Mushtaq, another shopper, said she visited the market after noticing the trend online.
“I saw these bangles in videos and came to buy them. I am purchasing them for my sister,” she said.
Another buyer, Maria, said she had been following the trend for some time. “I wanted them for my Eid dress after seeing them online. I like their design and style,” she said.
Retailers also reported a rise in male customers purchasing the bangles as gifts for family members, further boosting sales during the festive period.
Despite being marketed as “Kashmiri Choodiyan,” traders said the bangles are not traditionally linked to local jewellery.
They noted that traditional Kashmiri ornaments have distinct designs, while these bangles are largely manufactured outside the region.
The name, they said, has gained traction primarily through social media, underscoring the growing influence of digital trends on festive shopping patterns in the Valley.
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