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Eid
caps from Saudi, Oman popular in Varanasi
by Girish Kumar Dubey
Varanasi:
Caps imported from Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are selling like hot
cakes in Varanasi as Muslims prepare to celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr festival,
which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan In Varansi, skullcaps
made in Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh have almost replaced local
caps. Shopkeepers in the city are stocking imported caps. Oman caps are
the most popular among the customers this time. Many believe this is due
to Oman's proximity to Mecca. "Good caps are being made in India as well,
but like everything else, imported caps are more appreciated here. Oman
is near Saudi Arabia, the land of God. Therefore, people prefer to buy
caps from there," said Abdul Kayum, a shopkeeper selling Omani Eid caps.
Varanasi residents, however, lament the loss of popularity of local caps.
"The fascination for Omani caps is high in Varanasi. I have caps from
all countries such as Indonesia, Oman and Bangladesh. The price of these
caps ranges from rupees five to 450. But, the boat-shaped caps of Varanasi
are out of fashion now. After 30 days of fasting, every Muslim celebrating
Eid, wishes to look nice. That's why he wants to wear the best looking
cap available in the market, " claims Riyaz Ahmed, another shopkeeper.
Though imported caps are more expensive, customers don't want to compromise
on quality and looks. "I came here to purchase a cap. Eid is round the
corner and I wanted to wear a nice cap on the occasion. The cap I liked
is costly, but money doesn't matter on this auspicious occasion, I just
want to buy the best thing," said Mahmood Nur, a buyer. Eid ul Fitr festival
will be celebrated on Tuesday or Wednesday, subject to the sighting of
the moon. Ramadan, the holy month that precedes Eid, is a time for worship
and apart from the dawn to dusk fasting. It restrains Muslims from smoking
and sexual activity. The fast is broken every evening at sunset with prayers
and the meal called Iftar. They are not required to engage in sex and
thoughts relating to it, nor are they permitted to make offensive gestures
or use unkind words for 30 days. They seek the blessing of Almighty for
peace and prosperity of the Islamic Ummah (the nation of the believers)
on the occasion and give alms to the needy.
-Oct
23, 2006
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