Sacrificial animal sales sluggish ahead of Eid in Kashmir
Srinagar, June 4: The run-up to Eid-ul-Adha, a time usually marked by bustling markets and brisk business in sacrificial animals, is unusually dull this year in Kashmir.
Traders from across the Valley have reported a sharp drop in demand, with many sacrificial animals remaining unsold just days before the festival.
Livestock markets in Srinagar — especially the large temporary setups in areas such as Eidgah, Tengpora, Ellahi Bagh, Nowshera, 90 Feet Road, Soura, and Batamaloo — are witnessing a noticeable decline in buyer turnout. Rows of goats, sheep, and even camels stand tethered, as sellers wait for customers who are far fewer than in previous years.
“This is the worst season I’ve seen in the last ten years. Even during COVID times, people bought sacrificial animals in large numbers. But this year, buyers are coming in small numbers, and even they are mostly bargaining or just looking," said Ghulam Muhammad Regoo, a livestock wholesaler at Eidgah.
Traders from far-flung areas including Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur, Doda, and Samba have brought their livestock to the Srinagar markets in hopes of good earnings. Some have even sourced exotic non-local breeds like Jaisalmeri, Marwari, and Kajuwala sheep from Rajasthan and Gujarat, expecting higher returns. However, the poor response has left many disappointed.
“There’s no interest in the bigger or exotic breeds this year. People are avoiding large purchases, and we’re being forced to reduce prices just to recover basic costs,” said Altaf Khan, who brought a truckload of sheep from Gujarat. “At this point, we’re only trying to break even.”
Vendors say they are slashing rates by Rs 30 to Rs 50 per kilogram in an attempt to attract buyers. “Last year, I sold sheep at Rs 390 per kg. This time, I’m asking for Rs 345, but people are still reluctant,” said Mohammad Akhtar, a Bakerwal herder from Kulgam. “If this continues, we’ll be returning home with most of our stock.”
The slowdown is not limited to goats and sheep. A few camels and buffalo brought from Punjab and Haryana, which usually draw attention during the Eid season, are also struggling to find buyers this year.
While no single reason can fully explain the slump, traders and customers point to a mix of factors — rising inflation, job losses, and general economic uncertainty. “Everything is expensive, from food to fuel. People are prioritising essentials over spending on large sacrificial animals,” said Shahid Ahmad, a resident of Bemina who decided to postpone his animal purchase.
The sluggish trade has also affected allied businesses — including transporters, fodder sellers, and temporary stall owners — who depend on Eid-related animal trade for seasonal income.
With only a couple of days left before Eid-ul-Adha, hopes for a last-minute surge in sales are fading fast. Traders, some of whom have been camping in Srinagar for over a week, now fear they may have to pack up and return with unsold animals — a scenario that would bring not just disappointment but heavy financial losses.
“We wait the whole year for this festival. It’s not just a business for us; it’s our livelihood,” said Bashir Dar from Anantnag. “But this year, it feels like Eid may come and go without bringing any joy for us.”
