Locals parade sacrificial animals

Shops selling coal are some of the busiest as people prepare for their barbeque

PESHAWAR: Locals have come out by the droves across the city ahead of Eidul Azha to either parade their decorated sacrificial animals or to buy them. Children accompany parents on the occasion and many families are also out on shopping trips.

The faithful are out every night along with their sacrificial animals. It is a particularly exciting time for the kids as they get a chance to roam the city streets with the animals.

Jehangir Khan, a local in Gulberg who bought a bull worth Rs0.1 million, said he was literally compelled to step out by the young ones in his house. He added the practice of parading the animals occurs mainly in urban areas and less so in the rural population. The local said some people actually like showing off their animals, while others bring them out for their children’s entertainment. However, there were fewer shoppers for Eidul Azha in the city’s Saddar Bazaar and the markets on University Road. One of the locals said this due to the fact that people are more excited about Eidul Fitr.

Since the period between the two occasions is relatively little, locals prefer to wear the same clothes and shoes they did for Eidul Fitr. However, he added special attention is given to new clothes and shoes for the children.

A fewer number of customers have been witnessed at sweet shops and bakeries as compared to Eidul Fitr. Nonetheless, the grills are ready to be fired up at homes across the city. Ahmad Shah says he is all set for a barbeque and has bought the necessary equipment. Some of the most rush was seen at shops sharpening knives and selling coal.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th, 2016.