Buying electronics during Ramadan for a festive upgrade

As Ramadan approaches, a special atmosphere of spirituality and anticipation fills the air. Alongside the customary fasting and prayers, there's a unique tradition observed during this blessed month: a rise in electronics purchases in preparation for Eid al-Fitr. Businesses capitalise on this festive spirit by offering attractive deals, especially on electronics, allowing families to upgrade their gadgets and appliances.

Throughout Ramadan, businesses and online stores announce discounts and deals on various electronics, attracting consumers to buy in anticipation of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations. This trend is particularly evident in the smartphone market, where teenagers eagerly await Ramadan sales to snag the latest devices.

For many teenagers, it's a chance to treat themselves to the newest smartphones using their Eidi or Salami (gift money) received from elders. Elders, on the other hand, view it as an opportune moment to purchase much-needed gadgets with their Eid bonuses.

"For the past few years, I have noticed special smartphone discounts during Ramadan, especially in the days leading up to Eid-ul-Fitr. So, I have been saving up my Salami for a while now to get my hands on the latest model this year. It is the perfect Eid gift to myself!" says Arisha, an eleventh-grade student at a renowned Dhaka school.

Home appliances also experience a surge in sales during Ramadan. Families seek innovative solutions to simplify their lives, especially during the elaborate iftar preparations. Air fryers are gaining popularity as they offer a healthier alternative to preparing traditionally deep-fried foods.

In recent years, there has been a worrying rise in heart-related issues like cardiac arrest among people in their late 30s and early 50s.

One significant factor contributing to these cases is the prevalence of deep-fried foods in daily diets. For Bengali Muslims, a proper iftar is incomplete without fried fritters like Beguni, Piyaju, and Alur Chop. This is precisely why air fryers are becoming increasingly popular. They require way too little oil to cook fried foods, making them a healthier option compared to street vendors' offerings cooked in reused oil.

Rishad Kabir, a 40-year-old banker, shares his experience: "Fried food has always been a staple of our daily iftar during Ramadan. A few months ago, I was diagnosed with a serious heart condition, and doctors strictly advised against consuming deep-fried foods. This year, we are determined to continue enjoying fried foods during iftar, but in a healthier way. To achieve this, we purchased a top-of-the-line air fryer this Ramadan. It makes cooking for iftar more convenient while aligning with our goal of adopting a healthier lifestyle."

The Ramadan deals extend beyond smartphones and kitchen appliances to encompass a wide variety of electronics. Bangladeshi middle to upper-class families often have elaborate iftars with a vast array of dishes, making preparation time-consuming. Blenders, food processors and smart kitchen gadgets are sought after for their ability to streamline the cooking process, allowing families to dedicate more time to spiritual reflection and less to culinary chores. With the scorching summer heat approaching, air conditioners, exhaust fans and other cooling appliances are also popular choices during this period.

As the excitement builds, businesses strategically launch their Ramadan campaigns, featuring enticing offers like bundled deals, extended warranties and attractive EMI options to cater to the diverse needs of consumers. This ensures families can upgrade their electronics without exceeding their budgetary constraints.

Amid spiritual reflection and communal harmony, the surge in electronics shopping during Ramadan adds a vibrant layer of festivity to the occasion. Whether it is the thrill of unwrapping a brand-new smartphone on Eid morning or the satisfaction of creating healthier iftar meals with modern appliances, the choices are as diverse as the communities celebrating this holy month.

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