Buyers say prices higher this year but sacrifice important religious duty
Traders optimistic business will improve as Eid draws nearer
Srinagar, May 16: The historic Eidgah Srinagar has once again come alive with the arrival of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, as traders and buyers gather at one of Kashmir’s largest and oldest livestock marketplaces.
With the beginning of the month of Zil Hajj, the traditional market has started witnessing increasing activity, with people from Srinagar, Ganderbal and nearby areas visiting the grounds to purchase sacrificial animals, particularly sheep and goats, for the upcoming festival.
Hundreds of sheep and goats, including both local and non-local breeds, have already been brought to the sprawling Eidgah grounds, while traders remain hopeful that business will pick up in the coming days as Eid approaches.
Residents said the market traditionally gains momentum after the start of Zil Hajj, as families begin preparations for Eid-ul-Adha and look for suitable animals for sacrifice.
“We came early to survey the market and compare prices. Usually, many families prefer to buy their sacrificial animals after Zil Hajj begins, and the rush increases with every passing day,” said Mohammad Sultan, a buyer from Srinagar.
Shahid Ahmad from Nawakadal said, “We visit Eidgah every year because it is one of the most trusted and oldest places for purchasing sacrificial animals. There are many options here, from local breeds to animals brought from outside Kashmir.”
Livestock sellers, however, said that while trading has begun, the turnout of buyers remains lower compared to previous years, largely due to rising prices and changing market conditions.
“We have started selling sacrificial sheep, but compared to previous years, the number of buyers is still low. People are coming, but many are hesitant because prices have gone up,” said Asif Ahmad, a livestock trader from Bemina.
Another seller, Sultan Ahmad from Shopian, who has been associated with the Eidgah livestock market for over three decades, said, “We have been selling sacrificial sheep here for the last 30 years. Eidgah is one of the oldest and most important markets before Eid-ul-Adha, and thousands of animals are sold here every year.”
Gulzar Ahmad, dealing in non-local sheep breeds, said demand for premium animals is also expected to rise in the coming days. “Customers are asking about larger and healthier animals, but many are waiting until the final days before making a purchase,” he said.
One young buyer browsing through the market said, “Prices are definitely higher this year, but Eid sacrifice is an important religious duty for us. We are looking for a good sheep within our budget.”
Another elderly resident from Eidgah, Mumtaz Mohammad, added, “The Eidgah market is not just a place to buy animals—it is a tradition. Every year, coming here reminds us of the spirit and preparations of Eid-ul-Adha.”
Traders remain optimistic that business will improve significantly as Eid draws nearer, with thousands of sacrificial sheep and goats expected to be sold in the days ahead.
Every year, the Eidgah grounds transform into a vibrant seasonal marketplace, deeply rooted in Kashmir’s religious and cultural traditions, bringing together buyers and sellers in preparation for one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.
Umar Raina
