Rawalpindi abuzz with variety of activities

A day before Eidul Azha, the livestock market was in full swing, with a large number of people approaching dealers to buy sacrificial animals; the prices surging manifold. The goats, sheep, cows, camels are being sold for anything between Rs18,000 and Rs1.5 lakh. Butchers, real or fake, sharpened the tools to fleece the potential customers.
Despite drizzle the livestock markets within sheds or on the streets are buzzing with activity. The rising prices seem to have no impact on buyers. People thronged the markets and hectic negotiations could be seen. Children are seen leading the sacrificial animals through the streets. They spent hours together with the animals bought for ‘qurbani’. In the night they had to be dragged back home.
A seller, Riaz Hasan, said: "We breed and raise the animals, and after several inspections, sell them. Buyers visit us, check the animal for any disease or injury and after being fully satisfied make the payment.”
Trader Amir Hussain said, “The reason for bringing different variety of sacrificial animals is to attract the upper class customers. Many decorated animals goats, sheep, cows and camels are the cynosure of all eyes, considering their beauty, high maintenance and zing.”
Fahad Ali, who has brought Sahiwal breed of cows, says, "These cows are known for high-quality fibre. They are the centre of attraction in the livestock markets. It is not only their dashing looks but also the price tag, which attracts a lot of people to take a look at them. Depending on the weight and appearance, we are selling these cows in the range of Rs80,000 to Rs1.5 lakh."
Akhtar Hussain, a resident of Fazal Town, said he bought two goats for Rs40,000. "I bought them today, so it cost more. A week ago, it would have cost up to Rs15,000. Post ‘Bakr Eid’, the rates could have come further down but my kids were in a hurry to show them off. Now, I am rushing home to help my family to prepare for tomorrow’s feast. Over 20 guests are expected," he said. Akhtar added that one-third of all the meat and other delicacies prepared at home would be given to the poor.
The city markets were all decked up the day before Eidul Azha. Moti Bazaar, Commercial Market Satellite Town, Raja Bazaar, Saddar, and all the shopping malls of the city were teeming with people. While women were on a lookout for a good bargain on decorative household items and clothes for the children, many men could be seen carrying sacrificial animals back home even as butchers claimed to be overbooked. To Anwaarul Hasan, such fervour is normal in the run up to Eid.
"My parents have got me a ‘kurta-pyjama’ suit and a new pair of shoes. I am so happy. After the morning prayers and feasting at home, we will go to visit our relatives," said Aamir, a 14-year-old boy.
On the other side, the young girls were seen searching for best Mehndi designs. Elsewhere in the city women were seen in markets shopping for bangles. "Inflation and high costs are no barriers to festivities. In fact, these are rare occasions when we get an opportunity to celebrate. I have also bought one small goat to sacrifice and new clothes for my children," said Mohammad Hussain, a rickshaw puller.