KARACHI: In bazaars across Pakistan this Ramadan, many shoppers are asking for the same item: the viral “Kashmiri choorian.”
The brightly colored bangles — stacked combinations of metal bracelets with tiny bell hangings paired with multi-colored glass pieces — have surged in popularity in recent months, emerging as a defining fashion trend ahead of Eid Al-Fitr.
Despite the name, the bangles have no direct association with the Himalayan region of Kashmir. Traders say the designs have long existed in local markets but have recently been rebranded and propelled into mainstream demand by social media platforms, particularly Instagram.
The trend has spread across urban markets in Pakistan during Ramadan, when shopping for clothes and accessories peaks ahead of Eid, the festival marking the end of the fasting month.
“I got to know about these Kashmiri choorian trend because most of the influencers are talking about it nowadays, specifically on Instagram,” said Itrat Batool, who was shopping for the bangles at Gulf Shopping Mall in Karachi’s Clifton area.
A dentist by profession, Batool said social media played a key role in shaping her choice, though she also genuinely liked the designs.
“They are pretty and they are more like a Pinterest thing. They are cool,” she told Arab News. “There are too many varieties and colors, so I am gonna get them according to my Eid dress.”
Muslim women shop for bangles at a store for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations during the last week of the Islamic holy fasting month of Ramadan in Lahore on March 17, 2026. (AFP/ file)
SOCIAL MEDIA TREND
The trend gained traction during Ramadan, as online sellers and influencers began showcasing different combinations of the bangles, prompting shoppers to search for them in local markets.
At major shopping areas such as Tariq Road, Jama Cloth, Ranchor Lane and Kaghazi Bazaar in Karachi, customers have been arriving with screenshots from Instagram, asking vendors for specific styles and color combinations.
Arab News observed that most customers at a jewelry stall in Gulf Shopping Mall were specifically requesting “Kashmiri choorian,” reflecting demand that traders say is being seen in markets across the country.
Muslim women shop for bangles at a store for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations during the last week of the Islamic holy fasting month of Ramadan in Lahore on March 17, 2026. (AFP)
PRICE SURGE
The sharp rise in demand has pushed up prices and strained supply, according to sellers.
“These bangles came earlier as well but weren’t as popular,” said Anwar Ahmed Khan, who has been selling bangles for 50 years.
“They were sold at stalls at Rs1 per dozen. Now, 40-45 years later, these bangles have gotten so viral that we are amazed they have come back with the name of ‘Kashmiri choorian’.”
Khan said the surge in demand has made it difficult to maintain stock during the peak shopping period.
“We are unable to get a stock of these [Kashmiri and raindrop] bangles. They are even being sold in black. What used to cost Rs300-400 (up to $1.43) earlier, we now get it at Rs800-900 (up to $3.22),” he told Arab News. “We are selling them at Rs1,200 (4.30).”
EID APPEAL
The trend has also reached Pakistanis living abroad, with visitors returning home seeking the bangles for Eid.
Shumail Feroz, a Karachi native visiting from Canada, said he came to the market specifically to buy the accessory for his family.
“When I learnt about this Kashmiri choori stuff here in Pakistan, I came here to buy for them,” Feroz told Arab News.
His sister, Aiman Feroz, said the bangles were particularly suited to Eid celebrations.
“I really wanted to get these for myself because they are really nice and cute when we wear them on Eid,” she said.
“It’s a tradition. It looks nice when you wear them with shalwar kameez and chaand balis (crescent-shaped earrings). I really like that.”
