Written by: Haroon Shuaib
Posted on: July 08, 2022 | 
| 中文
A buzzing cattle market
Eid-ul-Azha or Eid-e-Qurban is the second and biggest of two main religious festivals celebrated in Islam. It honors the readiness of Hazrat Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Hazrat Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of submission to Allah's command. Before Hazrat Ibrahim could sacrifice his son, Allah provided him with a lamb, which he then slaughtered to follow the divine ordain and show his gratitude for the blessings and kindness of the Almighty. Muslims across the world, to this day, slaughter halal (permissible) animals to commemorate the same spirit. One third of the slaughtered animal’s meat is consumed by the family, while the rest is distributed amongst relatives and the needy to ensure that everyone gets to eat meat on Eid.
Sellers wait for the buyers at a cattle market in Islamabad (Picture credit to Eman Haroon)
In Pakistan, this Eid is celebrated not only as a religious but also as an economic and cultural activity. Many large and small ‘Maweshi Mandis’ (cattle markets) are set up, in addition to the permanent ones, weeks prior to Eid. Ruminants, such as goats, sheep, lambs, cows, bulls, and even camels, are brought by livestock farmers and traders to these markets, so people can buy animals of their choice for fulfilling their religious obligation.
Children particularly enjoy the experience of visiting the cattle market
Some people boast about their status and compare their sacrificial animals to those of their neighbors. Many buy sacrificial animals days earlier in order to show off. Young boys take their animals out in the evening to roam the streets and enjoy the attention. Deciding on an animal that is affordable and at the same time notable can be a daunting task. Children find this activity particularly exciting and often accompany their elders for animal shopping. It’s a learning experience for them, as they observe adults haggling over price and ensuring that the animal chosen meets all preconditions laid out by religion.
Motorist holding sacrificial camel
To attract buyers, especially young ones, sellers decorate sacrificial animals with colorful garlands, sterling bands, embellished belts, crowns and even henna. Hunt for a suitable animal can take days, but once a deal is locked between the seller and buyer, the new proud owner looks for a mode of transport suitable to transfer his sacrificial animal. It is a bitter-sweet moment for many sellers as while they want to earn maximum profit for their stock, they also feel sad departing with their animals raised with a lot of tender and loving care. Every year, social media gets flooded with videos showing camels being transported by rickshaw and sheep clinging to the back of motorcycles, as Pakistanis transport their purchases home. Last year, a video of a hefty cow being lifted to the roof of a two-story house by using a construction crane went viral. Instances of runaway animals and people chasing after their prized possessions are also common.
Cows are decorated to attract buyers
Karachi has the biggest cattle market in Asia in the Sohrab Goth area that is spread over 2,000 acres, besides many similar markets in other parts of the city. Animals worth millions are bought and sold every year during the Eid season. Similarly, Lahore too has many permanent and makeshift cattle markets that become a center of every citizen’s attention during the Eid season. Heads of every family who can afford to offer the sacrifice make a beeline for these markets. The capital city of Islamabad has over half a dozen designated temporary cattle markets set up every year for the residents to buy sacrificial animals of their choice. Those looking for an even better bargain, often travel to the nearby city of Rawalpindi or surrounding rural areas. All such markets have several eye-catching heavyweights and uniquely named sacrificial animals, welcoming buyers. Besides cattle sellers, makeshift stalls selling animal feed, decorative items and food for sellers who often come from other towns and stay at these markets for days leading up to Eid day. Other auxiliary service providers such as transporters also set up shops in hundreds of such markets across the country.
The most prized animals in every market remain a centre of attention
Interestingly, social and digital media has also brought innovation to this traditional activity. Many sellers now use social media platforms by posting photos and videos of animals online, where customers can place their orders and reserve animals of their choice. Since the last few years, special apps have also been designed that can facilitate the process of booking an animal digitally, and getting it delivered directly to your home. Experts say that the e-commerce-based livestock market in Pakistan is growing by up to four percent annually as more young entrepreneurs are taking interest in it. With growing fuel prices, cattle markets often situated in the periphery of the cities, are becoming less ideal to visit for buyers. Similarly, since most of these markets are over-crowded, and people have become increasingly aware post pandemic to avoid large crowds, these technology-based solutions are fast gaining popularity. People who are blessed with more wealth, often donate full animals for sacrifice to many community-based welfare organizations through their website, by making online payments. This way many orphanages, shelter homes, and destitute people living in far-flung areas can also enjoy a hearty nutritious protein meal on this special occasion.
Trade for Eid uses e-commerce channels (Picture credit to Eman Haroon)
While observing this important religious festival, it is crucial to keep the spirit behind the Badi Eid in perspective. It is a day to enjoy a hearty meaty meal, thank the Almighty for the blessings showered on us, and share the same with those that are less fortunate.
Transporting sacrificial animals can be a challenge
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