Haj pilgrimage gives a boost to business in Srinagar

Srinagar, Oct 14 (ANI): Shopkeepers in Srinagar are in joyous mood with upcoming Haj season as it has led to increase in the number of footfalls to their shops.

Pilgrims for this year's Haj have started their shopping, particularly for ahram, a sacred dress worn by Muslims during the pilgrimage.

The markets have been decorated with various religious items and other travel related goods such as vacumed pillow, leather pouches for currency and passports, mats, blankets, rose beads and small stone bags.

"We are experiencing good business in these months as around 8000 to 9000 Haj pilgrims are going on pilgrimage. They visit different shops. They also come to our shop and there is increase in our sale," said Muhammad Rafiq, a shopkeeper.

"They purchase different things such as ahram, kits and other things, which are required during pilgrimage. Business is going very good," he added.

Expressing enthusiasm over the religious journey, Bilal Ahmad, a Haj pilgrim said that scores of devotees throng the market especially at this time as the pilgrimage holds significant importance in their lives.

A total of more than six million pilgrims come to Saudi Arabia for Haj and Umrah pilgrimages each year.

The annual Haj is one of the world's biggest religious gatherings, bringing together millions of Muslims, who retrace the route taken by the Prophet Mohammad fourteen centuries ago during the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam.