 |
| |
WEEKLY
SECTIONS |
 |
|
 |
| Residents ready for Eid despite price hike |
|
|
|
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Noor Aftab
Islamabad
Residents of twin cities are all set to celebrate Eidul Azha, with many of them anxious to offer the religious ritual of sacrifice that reminds one of the importance of the great sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and his beloved son Hazrat Ismael (AS).
Though extraordinarily high rates of sacrificial animals and the unprecedented price hike in Eid related clothing and other commodities have made it difficult for the common people to celebrate the auspicious occasion in a traditional and zealous way, but they still seem ready to enjoy all the celebratory moments to their fullest.
“We always face financial constraints on this occasion but every time with the grace of God, we succeed in coping up and this time also, we have purchased a goat and new dresses to celebrate Eidul Azha in the best possible manner,” said Anisa Hashmi, a resident of Sector F-11.
The tradition of collective sacrifice has greatly benefited those who cannot afford to buy any sacrificial animal on their own. Thousands of people this time have turned towards mosques, institutions and individuals to offer a share in cows and camels, where the minimum money share was generally Rs5,500.
“It is the best available option for me to offer share in a cow in a nearby mosque because I simply cannot afford to buy a goat or a cow for sacrifice,” said Muhammad Raza, a resident of Satellite Town.
The people continued to ‘chase’ butchers till the last night before Eid and were even found ready to pay some extra money to ensure their booking. The butchers also seemed in ‘trouble’, as it was not possible for them to commit to everyone who approached them. “I have already committed to 35 customers and many more are still insisting. When anyone comes to me with a reference of my close friends or relatives, then its really difficult to refuse them,” said Nayyaz Ahmad, a butcher in Katarian Market.
Part-time butchers are also available in the markets who themselves were found approaching people and even offered them less rates. It is observed that most of them are labourers who consider the occasion an opportunity to earn handsome money.
Children are believed to be one of the most excited segments of society on Eidul Azha, who love playing with sacrificial animals besides putting on decorative material to make them attractive.
|
|
|
| Back
| Send
this story to Friend | Print
Version |
|
|
|
ISSN 1563-9479 
