Farhan Israeli/Jaipur

Muslims in the Pink City are pleasantly surprised to see that about 28 varieties of dates are available at the Johari Bazaar fruit market for the forthcoming Ramzan month, when most of them observe dawn-to-dusk fast for 30 days.

The varieties available are Deglet Noor, Medjool, Barhi, Kimia, Ambar, Ajwa, Safavi, and Mazafati, all from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and Morocco. Prices range from 100 rupees to 2,000 rupees per kilogram. Of these, Ajwa dates are considered the most expensive and popular.

And yet dates used for breaking the day-long fast during the month have become 15 to 20 per cent more expensive. According to wholesaler Abdul Jameel, due to rising transportation costs and increased import duties, the price of Kimiya dates has risen from 180 rupees per kilogram last year to 220-240 rupees this year. He has observed that customers are buying in smaller quantities and opting for cheaper varieties.

A Jaipur market

Subject to the sighting of the moon, Ramzan is expected to start around February 17 and will be the coolest month in two decades.  

Jaipur’s  Parkota, Ramganj, Ghatgate, Char Darwaza and MD Road markets are well illuminated for the shoppers’ experience.

Each evening, the streets are swarmed with shoppers out to stock food and other items for the holy month.

In the Ramganj Market, colourful hats, piles of dates, and the scent of perfume outside shops are attracting customers. The local trade association has taken charge of the lighting and decorations. However, shopkeepers say that while there are crowds, the shopping enthusiasm isn't as strong as before.

Sheikh Abrar, who was shopping for her family for the Ramazan, said that it is a month of blessings. While nobody should compromise on prayers, he has to limit his spending. He says he is buying only 2 kilograms of dates this time, which is much less than the 5 kg he would buy earlier.

Reshma Bano explains that rising oil and sugar prices have upset her budget for Sehri and Iftar. While cooking Pakodas and fried foods is expensive, her children prefer these foods. So, she faces a challenge in balancing her budget and her children’s food preferences.

The fragrance shop in Jaipur

The shops in the old market near the Jamaat's Markaz in Ramganj are particularly vibrant on the eve of Ramadan. Mohammad Saleh, the owner of Al Ibrahim Empire, says the shop offers over 300 different perfumes. Oud, Arabian fragrances, Western notes, and mixed scents are attracting customers.

Ayan Khan, the owner of Arsh Textiles in Ramganj, says his outlet has launched a special collection for Ramazan. These range from white kurta-pyjamas to embroidered designs.

Fabrics are available both in retail and wholesale. Prices start at 35 rupees per meter and go up to 5,000 rupees. A standard kurta-pyjama can be bought for 200-350 rupees, and quality ones are available for 1,000-2,000 rupees.

According to Khan, initially, people focus on ration, but as Eid approaches, clothing sales pick up. Arsh Textiles and other stores are stocked with new varieties, bringing the market to life in preparation for Ramadan.

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Thus, preparations for Ramadan in Jaipur are a blend of excitement, tradition, and modernity. Despite inflation, the city's markets remain vibrant, fragrant, and sweet, with fasting people balancing both prayer and shopping.