From Mandis to Mobiles: Srinagar’s Sacrificial Animal Market Booms Ahead of Eid

Srinagar, May 31: With Eid Al-Adha drawing near, Srinagar is witnessing a surge in sacrificial animal sales — both in the city’s bustling traditional markets and across social media platforms. From sheep and goats to high-breed bulls priced in lakhs, the atmosphere in the summer capital is electric as the faithful prepare for one of Islam’s most significant festivals.

At the heart of the city, traditional livestock markets like Eidgah and Hazratbal have become a hub of activity. Dozens of sellers have set up stalls, showcasing their animals with pride, while prospective buyers move from pen to pen, negotiating prices and inspecting animals with the keen eye of seasoned traders.

“We’ve been preparing these animals for over a year, feeding them quality grains, maize, and fodder. They are part of our family until they go to fulfil their religious purpose,” said Ali Mohammad, a livestock seller at Eidgah. Prices, he says, start from Rs 16,000 and can go as high as Rs 60,000, depending on size, breed, and weight.

Yet, it’s not just the markets that are booming. This year, technology has become a major player in the Eid economy. Livestock sellers, especially younger entrepreneurs, have embraced Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp to advertise and sell their animals, creating a digital marketplace that’s accessible to buyers without ever stepping foot in the mandi.

“I bought a sheep last year through Instagram, and this year, my feed is filled with videos of animals priced at over a lakh. It’s become a trend to post videos of the best-looking rams, with people buying based on breed, grooming, and appearance,” said Nadeem Ahmad, a young buyer from Downtown Srinagar.

Pop-up animal mandis are also appearing across the city, especially in areas like Batapora Hazratbal, drawing heavy footfall. Many buyers say they’re doing rounds over multiple days to find the right animal at the right price. “It’s not just about price. We want a healthy, beautiful animal for Qurbani — it’s a matter of faith and family,” said Bilal Ahmad, who was scouting animals with his relatives.

This year has also seen a rise in demand for premium animals, with high-breed sheep, goats, and bulls drawing crowds and hefty price tags — in some cases between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. These animals are pampered year-round with high-protein diets, vitamins, and regular veterinary care, making them a spectacle in the markets.

“These animals are treated better than most humans. We have separate enclosures for them, and they’re groomed daily. Buyers come looking specifically for these high-end animals, and they’re willing to pay a premium,” said another seller at Hazratbal.

Eid Al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. The Qurbani (sacrifice) is an essential part of the ritual, with the meat distributed among family, friends, and the underprivileged.

As the countdown to Eid begins, the fusion of faith, tradition, commerce, and technology is more evident than ever in Srinagar’s evolving Eid economy. Whether in the crowded alleys of old-city mandis or through slick reels on social media, the spirit of sacrifice is alive — and increasingly digital.