Srinagar, March 27 -- This is not your average day at a Kashmir market; it's the holy month of Ramazan. "Ya Allah (Oh God)," he mutters with a tired but grateful smile, wiping the sweat from his brow. "The blessings this month bring are unlike any other."

For Bashir, Ramadan is more than just a religious observance; it's a time when his business booms. "Like previous years, the demand is good," Bashir said, adding that, "It's a time of giving, of families coming together, and of course, everyone wants the best ingredients to prepare their Iftar."

This surge in demand is a common thread amongst vendors across Kashmir's markets. While mosques resonate with piety, markets experience a surge in demand for specific food items.

Experts say t...