MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): As Eid-ul-Adha approaches, the hustle and bustle of livestock markets in Muzaffarabad has reached its peak with people trying their best to get the sacrificial animal at a cheaper rate.
Temporary markets have been set up at various places across the city where the spring of sacrificial animals has arrived. Children, adults, women, everyone is heading to the markets and seems to be busy buying and selling animals.
The presence of colorful, beautiful, and healthy animals in the markets has further increased the joy of Bakr-e-Eid. The movement of children, the sounds of animals, and the pitching demands of buyers are giving full vibrancy to the markets.
However, on the other hand, the prices of animals are skyrocketing this time. Citizens say that this time the animals have gone beyond the reach of the common man.
A citizen complained and said: “I came to see the goat, my heart is beating to buy it, but I had to back out after hearing the prices. There are goats worth three lakhs!”
Meanwhile, traders are blaming taxes for the increase in prices. They say that the actual cost of the animals is not that high, but a tax of Rs. 1,000 per animal is paid on each crossing, and if four crossings are made, then Rs. 4,000 is spent on one animal. We are bringing animals from far-off areas, and they cost four times as much, which is why we are forced to increase the prices.
Children are also present in large numbers in the markets to see the beautiful animals. One child said happily, “There are so many cute animals here, I want to take them all with me, but they are very expensive!” Fodder, vegetables, pulses, and other food have also been arranged in the markets to feed the animals so that the animals are healthy and strong.
The atmosphere of Muzaffarabad has been filled with joy with the arrival of Eid-ul-Adha, but the citizens hope that if the prices come down a little, they will be able to perform the Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim.
