COVID Cloud: Not A ‘Mubarak’ Eid For Cattle & Goat Traders In Odisha Capital

Bhubaneswar: It’s Eid-ul-Adha on Wednesday. But traders of sacrificial animals in the Odisha capital are not a happy lot.

The COVID-19 pandemic has cast a shadow on Eid celebrations with many people afraid to visit the markets to buy cattle, goats and sheep for ‘qurbani’ (ritual sacrifice). This means business has been dull for the traders.

“The market looks deserted due to the COVID crisis. Last year, sales were also down for the same reason. But this year, it’s worse amid the fear of the third wave of the virus,” Jalal Bhai, a coordinator of a cattle market in Bhubaneswar, told The Times of India.

Small-scale traders echoed the disappointment. They said COVID curbs have also affected supply of animals. This has translated into prices being higher this time, leading to 15-20% dip in sales compared to last year.

“Many people are not buying because of the high price for sacrificial goats this year and financial impact due to the lockdown. Those who can afford will perhaps buy animals for qurbani,” said Isuf Khan, a trader.

Besides business, Eid celebrations are also muted this year and mosques were also closed due to COVID. People avoided the traditional hugs and handshakes in line with the pandemic protocols. They instead participated in online celebrations and greeted each other over video calls.

They called it “a sacrifice for mankind”. “The intensity of the second wave of the pandemic is on the decline. However, there is the possibility of a third wave. So, we must sacrifice our happiness for a few more days for mankind,” said Ajimuddin Khan, a Bhubaneswar-based government employee.