As always, apparel such as saris, punjabis, fatuas, dupattas, and scarves are the major draw. Yet for people who are weary of buying the same clothing, there is the choice of other gift items such as Nakshi Kantha bags (in the range of 70-560), cushion covers, (ranging from Taka 220- 600 depending on whether they are blockprinted, jamdani or made from silk) or jewellery boxes (Taka 80-525), leather purses (from Taka 180, 2,500) (Taka 180 and Nakshi Kantha wall hangings (for Taka 360-1,200),brass and clay wall hangings (priced at Taka 360-555 and Taka 90 respectively).

There is a host of other attractive gift options such as exquisite bedcovers, table mats, colourful candles, floating candles and candle stands. In an innovation, there are also elephant shaped candle stands and peacock candle stands, priced at Taka 45 and Taka 55 each.

Then there are the brass ware and statues (ranging from Taka 3000 to 6,000). Wrought iron candle stands go for Taka 45-100 each.

So what's new about Eid this year? Well, for one, there is stiff competition between the fancy new stores and traditional shopping joints. 'True, shopping malls seem to have taken over the Eid celebrations. I remember going to places like New Market and Gausia as a Class 4 student with my father and sister and buying a range of apparel,' says a journalist.

The burgeoning shopping centres do not make for happy local shop managements. Says Subrata Shaha, senior executive Kumudini Handicraft: 'People go to the big stores because they want imported clothes, three piece material and so on. However, Kumudini only has indigenous products.'

Another difference is that some people have curtailed their expenditure on gifts over the years. According to this view, buying clothes for Eid is more exciting for those who buy clothes only once or twice a year. For people who shop regularly in Bangladesh and abroad, the exchange of gifts is not that relevant. In keeping with this philosophy, some people plan to give gifts only to the elders, the underprivileged and domestic staff.

There is also innovation in the choice of gifts. A journalist plans to buy a science book for his brother-in-law, titled The Nothing that isA natural history of zero by.Robert Kaplan.

To find a way to boost sales, the shops plan to advertise in the electronic and press media. In the view of some shop managements, this year is likely to be busy for sales. Says Monowara Begum Mimi, shop manager of Aarong in Tejgaon:' This year people are spending 25 per cent more than last year at this time in our store. It could be because the Muslim and Hindu festivals of Durga Puja, Eid and Diwali have dovetailed into each other.'

Whatever the changes between the bygone period and today, Eid still remains a keenly awaited occasion.