ISLAMABAD: A vibrant Ramadan festival held in Pakistan’s capital city Islamabad this week featured over 100 small businesses and their products ranging from handcrafted textiles to homemade food items, bringing together entrepreneurs, food lovers and eager shoppers.
The ‘Winter Fete Suhoor and Eid Night Bazaar,’ initially conceived as an annual event, has now grown into a bi-monthly tradition. It offers a vital launching pad for startups and home-based businesses to showcase their products.
The latest edition of the festival was held at founder Sabeen Abdal’s house in Islamabad on Saturday, Mar. 22, from 6:00pm to 1:30am. It featured an eclectic mix of businesses selling home decor, handcrafted textiles, food items and fashion accessories.
“We started this as an opportunity for startups who don’t have storefronts to showcase their products,” Abdal told Arab News.
“There’s a big shortage of such events in our city, so now we host an event every two months,” she explained. “Many of our vendors are women-led businesses and startups, which makes this even more special.”
A visitor inspects clothes at ‘Winter Fete Suhoor and Eid Night Bazaar’ event in Islamabad, Pakistan, on March 22, 2025. (AN photo)
Zara Nadeem, an entrepreneur whose business specializes in wardrobes and home decor, agreed. She said the festival was an opportunity for entrepreneurs such as herself to engage with potential customers.
“Events like this help us create brand awareness and consolidate our brand,” Nadeem, who recently opened her first showroom, said.
“We are trying to shift the mindset that quality only comes from imported products. We want to produce high-quality items locally in Pakistan.”
A vendor awaits customers at her mehndi stall at the ‘Winter Fete Suhoor and Eid Night Bazaar’ event in Islamabad, Pakistan, on March 22, 2025. (AN photo)
Jumana Vijlani, an entrepreneur who recently launched her fashion jewelry business, said the festival was proving to be a stepping stone for her to gain much-needed brand exposure.
“We are a new startup, and it has only been a few months since we began,” Vijlani said. “Events like these provide us with much-needed opportunities to advertise and boost our sales.”
Beyond shopping, the festival served as a lively social gathering where visitors connected with friends and family while supporting small businesses.
The food stalls were a major attraction, offering popular Ramadan treats such as dahi bhallay, chaats, and traditional teas.
Hina Raza, the owner of a home-based food business, shared how such festivals play a crucial role in motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking after leaving her teaching career.
“A year ago, I left teaching to pursue this full-time, and events like this not only help us financially but also motivate and uplift us,” Raza said.
