An Unforeseen Price Shift

With the inception of the holy month of Ramadan, markets in Kashmir have bloomed with an abrupt shift in price. Almost all the eatables being sold have come with changed price tags. Though the precious month of Ramdhan has brought mercy for mankind, man doesn’t seem to show any mercy toward it. Aware of the urge to purchase eatables at what-the-price-may, this month appears to be a major shot in the dark by shopkeepers and street vendors. Helpless people have to fill their fasting stomachs after dusk! Since Kashmir has a majority of the Muslim population, this uncertain piece of land has uncertain customs to follow, and a sudden Price-hike of eatables in the month of Ramdhan is one among them. With no one to keep the price in check in our markets; be it grocers, fruit sellers, chicken stalls, or mutton shops – all are busy with their smooth dealings. Even if one asks, he has no choice but to hear a cry, “Ath hez cha rate oaray khetchmich!” (It’s been fixed at a higher level). However, one wonders if there has to be a system to decide the overnight price heights. Neither there is nor there has to be a fixed price in the markets of Kashmir, especially in the month of Ramdhan. While bargaining in terms of eatables is impossible, a kilogram often weighs less in its weight. Markets adopt a culture of ebb and flow for this holy month. Hence, there is no way one can mark a change in the already-settled systems in Kashmir.