Buyers in Palsud Haat market pay up to Rs 80,000 for sacrificial animals
MUMBAI — As Eid Al-Adha approaches, prices of sacrificial goats have risen sharply in parts of Maharashtra, with traders and buyers in the famous Palsud Haat Bazaar saying the demand has gone up because Muslims in the state are not allowed to sacrifice cows due to the slaughter ban.
At the weekly market in Palsud, large crowds gathered to purchase goats for the Eid, one of the most important festivals for Muslims. Traders brought goats of different breeds and sizes, while buyers moved from one corner of the market to another searching for animals within their budget.
Goats in the market were reportedly sold between Rs 8,000 and Rs 70,000 to Rs 80,000, depending on their breed, weight and appearance. Traders said some premium animals attracted very high prices because of strong demand before the festival.
Members of the Muslim community who visited the market said the increasing prices have made it difficult for ordinary families to offer the sacrifice, but many people were still trying to buy animals according to their capacity.
A goat trader at the market said, “Every year prices rise before Bakrid, but this time demand is much higher. Since cows cannot be sacrificed in Maharashtra, most Muslim families depend on goats. That is why prices are increasing quickly.”
Another seller said many customers were shocked after arriving at the market. “People came thinking they would get goats at lower rates in the weekly bazaar, but even ordinary goats are expensive now. Bigger and healthier goats are selling for very high amounts,” he said.
Several buyers said they had been saving money for months to purchase sacrificial animals. A resident who came to the market with his family said, “Bakrid comes once a year and sacrifice is an important part of our faith. Prices are high, but people are still trying to buy according to their means.”
Another buyer said the financial burden has increased for poor and middle-class Muslim families. “Everything has become costly. Goat prices have gone up a lot this year. Many people are worried, but they still want to fulfil their religious duty,” he said.
Traders at the market said goats from different areas were brought to Palsud because of the large number of buyers visiting before Bakrid. Animals of different breeds, colours and weights attracted crowds throughout the day.
The rise in prices has once again drawn attention to the impact of Maharashtra’s cow slaughter restrictions on Muslim religious practices. Community members said that because cows cannot be used for sacrifice, pressure increases on the goat market every year during Bakrid season.
One elderly buyer at the market said, “For many Muslim families, goats are now the only practical option available. When demand rises suddenly before Bakrid, naturally, the prices also rise.”
Despite the high rates, traders said business remained strong and many goats were sold by the end of the market day. Sellers expressed hope that demand would continue in the coming days as Bakrid draws nearer.
Eid Al-Adha is observed by Muslims across India and around the world as a festival of sacrifice and devotion. The festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. During the festival, Muslims who can afford it sacrifice animals and distribute meat among relatives, neighbours and poor families.
In Maharashtra’s Palsud Haat Bazaar this year, however, the celebrations are taking place under the shadow of soaring goat prices, leaving many Muslim families worried about the growing financial pressure linked to the festival.
