SRINAGAR: MARKETS in Kashmir valley, particularly in the summer capital, wore a festive look today as residents went on a shopping spree, including for sacrificial animals, to prepare for Eid-ul-Azha which would be celebrated here tomorrow.
Sheep and goats worth crores would be sacrificed over the next three days to mark the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim, in which he had offered to sacrifice his only son, Prophet Ismail, as an act of obedience for Allah.
The meat of the sacrificial animals would then be distributed among relatives, friends and needy people.
Consumer Affairs Department fixed a ceiling of Rs 210 per kilogram of live animal but the rate list was being observed in breach, indicating a higher demand for the animals this year.
“The rate list issued by the government departments exists only on paper as the animals are sold at the rate of Rs 240 to Rs 260 per kilogram,” Mohammad Ishaq, a city resident, said.
A mutton dealer has brought in camels from Rajasthan to be sacrificed this Eid. While few people showed interest in buying these animals, a large crowd gathered at places where these are put on sale.
Some animals are fetching the mutton dealers three to four times the actual value. (Agencies)
