This year, Eid-ul-Azha and its preparations are not the same as they are every year. The trading of livestock is being done through online platforms rather than in a traditional manner.
Eid-ul-adha is one of the major religious days observed by a massive number of Muslims globally. Millions of Sheep, goats and cattle are slaughtered on this festival.
Covid-19 has hit South Asia (including Pakistan, India and Bangladesh) quite hard which has led the customs of the festivals to be altered as the customers are scared of going out to the livestock market to buy the sacrificial animal. In the past years, it used to be part of the festival that livestock markets would be set up weeks ahead of the main day of Eid and people would visit these markets to buy their sacrificial animal but it is not the same this year.
“We were traumatised by the loss of two of my uncles to COVID-19 and didn’t want to sacrifice an animal,” Saddid Hossain told AFP news agency in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka.
“But we have to stay within our religious tradition, so we’d rather buy from an online cow seller.”
In the fear of catching the virus, the number of customers has been limited in the market leading the livestock traders and breeder to choose the option of going online and showcasing their animals on different websites and social media applications.
Sellers posts tempting videos and picture of animals in a manner that customers feel the urge to buy them. Some sellers have said that they even got orders for next year as well.
The animal is simply delivered to the doorstep of the buyer. There are different options available for the buyers including buying the animal, getting it slaughtered or donated to charity. Without this option available, many people were worried about going to the market and putting their own and others health in danger. All these options available online are for the convenience of both; buyer and sellers as it can aid in reducing the risk of catching the coronavirus due to physical interaction of a large number of people in the market.
Picture Courtesy:
Muhammad Naeem uploads a picture of goats on his website ahead of Eid al-Adha in Islamabad, Pakistan
