As Eid-al-Adha approaches, camels have once again been put up for sale in various parts of Kashmir, with a small number of people opting for the animal as a sacrifice.
Camels are being sold in different parts of the country ahead of Eid-al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, but camel sacrifice is still very rare in Kashmir due to its non-availability in Jammu and Kashmir.
The dealers told Kashmir-based news agency KNO that, while camel sacrifice is still uncommon in Kashmir, the trend is growing, and more people are choosing camels over sheep and goats.
Ghulam Mohidin, a butcher from Pulwama’s Khrew area, said he had brought two camels a few days ago and had already sold one.
“If there is an increase in demand, I will bring more camels,” he said.
According to Mohidin, camel meat is slightly more expensive than that of an ox or a cow, but it is significantly less expensive than that of sheep or goat.
Camel, also known as the “ship of the desert,” has become a popular attraction in Parimpora and other parts of Kashmir in recent years, especially in the run-up to Eid-al-Adha.
People here are curious about eating camel meat, according to camel sellers, because it has religious significance because the Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) ate it.
Specifically, around three lakh sheep and 50,000 goats are sacrificed in the Valley every Eid.
The Chenab Times News Desk