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Holy Eid-ul-Azha, the second greatest religious
festival of the Muslims with due solemnity and religious fervor. The
holy hajj was performed in Saudi Arabia in which more than two million
Muslims from across the world. At home the people have already completed
all preparations for celebrating the festival in the traditional way
through offering Eid prayers, sacrificing animals, arranging improved
foods and exchanging greetings.
With the countdown to Eid ul Azha, the market for sacrificial animals at
the Superhighway has sprung up on a similar pattern as of erstwhile Eid
occasions – but the exorbitant prices being demanded by cattle merchants
seemingly have challenged the ‘Holy fervor’ of visitors, forcing them to
consider having a shared sacrifice.
During a visit to the market, it was witnessed that many people flocking
with intent to buy sacrificial animal - cow, goat, sheep, bull or camel
- ending up as an ‘hapless observer’. Almost all cattle merchants at the
biggest sacrificial animal market at Superhighway, spread over around
1,000 acres in two sections, have been demanding a minimum Rs.50, 000
for a small cow weighing around 120 to 150 kilograms with sheer
rejection of haggling with a customer.
According to Provincial Disaster Management Authority, a total of 94,270
livestock was perished in recent floods by September 29 and the toll
later rose up to120, 000 in subsequent days due to various diseases
among cattle.
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Ikram said by the eve of Eid-ul-Azha, some 4, 00,000 sacrificial animals
would have been brought in the market with 2, 00,000 cows and goats
each, adding some 2,000 camels would also be brought here by the arrival
of the holy event. “All sacrificial animals are being transported here
from Different parts of the country including Thatta, Larkana, Rahim Yar
Khan, Bhawalpur and Multan. The animal traders have labeled their
respective cattle heads different names such as Badshah, Tufan, Suraj
Mukkhi and Bhura according to their height, weight and color.
Badhshah, being one of the healthiest cow at the market, is put on sale
at a cost of Rs 1.6 million and her owner is optimistic that it would be
sold at a demanded price. While other cattle heads of his kind are also
put on sale which could so far attract a visitors’ sight instead of a
genuine buyer.
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