After the popularity of Kashmiri bangles during Eid-ul-Fitr, transparent “jelly bangles” have now emerged as the latest fashion craze across Pakistan ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Fueled by viral TikTok reels, Instagram influencers, and fashion vloggers, the colorful accessory has quickly become a must-have trend among young girls and college students.
Markets across Islamabad and Rawalpindi, including Karachi Company, Commercial Market, and Sunday Bazaar Peshawar Mor, are witnessing a surge in demand for jelly bangles in pastel and transparent shades such as pink, purple, turquoise, green, and crystal-clear tones. Shoppers can be seen browsing stalls while comparing designs saved from social media videos and online fashion pages.
“These bangles look simple, but their colors feel alive,” said Fatima, a college student shopping in Karachi Company. Speaking to APP, she said that despite changing fashion trends over the years, glass bangles still carried a unique charm and traditional sound.
“The real khanak comes from glass bangles,” she said. “When girls wear colorful bangles on Eid, it feels like their dreams are shining in their hands.”
Laughing with her friends, she added that while elders remain busy with Eid-ul-Azha responsibilities, young girls focus on dressing up and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
At Sunday Bazaar, shoppers Areej and Mona said they visited specifically after repeatedly seeing jelly bangles featured in online reels and fashion content.
“We first saw them online, and then suddenly every girl started asking for them,” Areej said while selecting shades of turquoise and pink.
Meanwhile, at Commercial Market, large crowds gathered around bangle shops displaying long rows of transparent glass bangles reflecting bright market lights.
Abdul Hanan, a shopkeeper at JD Bangles, said online orders have increased significantly in recent weeks as customers rush to secure their favorite shades before stocks run out.
“One viral reel can change the entire market within days,” he said, adding that social media influencers and vloggers now play a major role in shaping fashion trends. He explained that traditional glass and metal bangles were previously the top sellers, followed by Kashmiri bangles during Eid-ul-Fitr, while jelly bangles have now taken over the market.
According to traders, locally manufactured glass bangles from Hyderabad are being sold between Rs. 300 and Rs. 500 per set, while imported fancy designs inspired by Indian styles range between Rs. 1,200 and Rs. 1,800 depending on decoration and quality.
This year’s trend is dominated by soft pastel colors, transparent designs, and shiny light shades, particularly among students and young women.
Veteran trader Shaukat, who has been selling bangles in Moti Bazaar for nearly 20 years, said shopkeepers now closely monitor social media trends before purchasing stock.
“Girls now come asking for the exact designs they see online,” he said. “As soon as a design goes viral, we immediately arrange it for our shops.”
He added that Eid-ul-Azha shopping excitement for bangles has now become almost as strong as Eid-ul-Fitr.
Earlier, girls mainly purchased bangles before Eid-ul-Fitr, but now both Eids generate the same excitement, he noted.
Uzma, a university student shopping for transparent pink jelly bangles, said the trend has become popular because of its elegant appearance in photos and videos.
“These jelly bangles shine softly and look beautiful in pictures,” she said.
As Eid shopping activity continues to grow across the twin cities, the soft clinking sound of colorful glass bangles has once again become a symbol of festivity, fashion, and celebration.
