The ‘disappearance’ of Wakaf Che Yeh Ramadan bazaar

KOTA BARU:

22 April  Kathmandu : In past years, the few days before Ramadan would see a carnival like atmosphere descend upon the 32-year old Wakaf Che Yeh Wholesale market, here, as traders set up their respective tents and stalls for the annual fasting month bazaar. The carnival like atmosphere stretches some 500 metres up to the entrance of the wholesale market, whereas in the market proper, stretches of canopies were in place, housing various Ramadan necessities.

There is a marked difference this year, there is no excitement in the air, no hustle and bustle, in fact some 150 premises in 14 blocks of commercial lots at the wholesale market were not operating due to the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO). “On a typical day about 1,000 trading lots are set up and for Ramadan, it reaches up to 1,200 lots which include vendors selling, food, drinks and Aidilfitri necessities such as clothing and accessories,” said manager of the wholesale market site, Wan Othman Wan Ismail.

“Usually two weeks before Ramadan, we receive applications (from traders) and once approved and permits are obtained, the traders would pay a 10 per cent advance for their respective trading lot. “However, the situation is significantly different this year and in a way has created history as the shopping destination which has been a feature since 1988 has ‘disappeared’ due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said, when met here, today.

Checks only saw the wet market and several other premises still in operations at the 5.68 hectare wholesale market site which also includes banks, clinics, convenience stores and grocery shops. Rice trader, Mohd Sulaiman Mohamad, 55, said the wholesale market would usually begin to get busy by 3pm during the fasting month.

“Road congestions will also occur for up to one kilometre and visitors will also be competing with each other to get the best possible parking lots. “However, such an atmosphere is not felt this time and it is certainly odd as the Wakaf Che Yeh Wholesale market never sleeps nor is it ever without visitors,” he said. Agency