Mombasa markets abuzz with activity ahead of Eid celebrations

The Mombasa markets are bustling with activity as Muslims prepare for the upcoming Eid celebrations this week, with traders expecting booming business as shoppers flock to stores in ahead of the festivities.

As the Holy month of Ramadan concludes, Muslims globally will observe Eid al-Fitr this week, contingent on the moon sighting.

The Chief Kadhi of Kenya noted the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations shall either be on April 10 or 11, 2024.

“The 29th Ramadhan 1445H will be on 9.04.2024. Eid-ul-Fitr shall either be on April 10 or April 11, 2024, depending on the sighting of the Shawwal Crescent 1445H. For logistical reasons, the Eid ul Fitr Public Holiday shall be on Thursday 11.04. 2024,” he wrote on his X account.

This marks the end of a period of fasting as Muslims celebrate a joyful event acknowledging the completion of an important religious duty.

In Mombasa County, the Muslim faithful have been thronging markets and jewellery shops to get themselves items to celebrate Eid.

Mombasa's Marikiti Market abuzz with activity ahead of this week's Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrations. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

Salim Abdallah of Qamiis Thobe Shob, a market vendor, says this week will be busy with shoppers as people prepare for the Eid celebrations.

“There are some who love to do last-minute shopping, but others do their preparations mid of Ramadan when everything is cheaper or at a normal price,” said Salim.

He sells Kanzu attires (white garments worn by Muslim men) and Oud perfumes.

The vendor says, normally a Kanzu goes for between Sh4,000 and Sh10,000, but during Eid one buys a Kanzu at between Sh5,000 and Sh15,000.

Muslim men buy the Kanzu attire at the Qamiis Thobe shop where business booms ahead of Eid celebrations. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

"Prices of items normally double. This is because we get more customers and as business people we need to make money, however other times we give customers discounts,” he added.

“There are so many people trying to get themselves and their children clothes, shoes and jewellery to celebrate the breaking of fasting. Everyone is struggling to grab something but we have no options as we want to look good,” said Ibrahim Ali, a customer.

At the Marikiti market, people try to get themselves and their children clothes, shoes and jewellery to celebrate the breaking of fasting. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

The Muslim women also go for henna art during such celebrations.

At Majengo Salon, women are busy drawing henna art for their customers.

"We appreciate how the business is doing well on such occasions. We get a lot of customers,” said Shariffa Abdulkadir who owns Sherry Henna Salon.

Muslim women at the Sherry Henna Salon getting henna art ahead of Eid preparations. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

She says that on a normal day, they do the booking and appointment of clients and serve only two clients per day.

However, ahead of Eid festivities, it changes to a first come first serve basis.

“During Eid preparations, we are forced to start working as early as 5 am and go on sometimes until midnight. This is because the clients now vary from children to women,” she says.

The Organizing Secretary of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya, Sheikh Khalifa, elaborated that per the hadith (Islamic teachings), it's customary to purchase and don new attire for Eid celebrations.

He emphasised the significance of wearing new clothes during Eid prayers as part of the joyous occasion, where families gather to commemorate the end of fasting.

Muslims celebrate two Eids every year, that is Eid-ul-Fitr (the festival of breaking the fast) and Eid-ul-adha (the festival of the sacrifice).

Muslims conduct Eid prayers at the Ronald Ngala grounds in Mombasa. The faithful are expected to observe Eid Celebrations this week. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)