The celebration of Eid-ul- Zuha (Bakrid), also known as the festival of sacrifice, was different this time around. For, the City Muslims donated a part or the entire sum set aside for the festival towards the relief of flood victims in Jammu and Kashmir.
Besides, they also took the message of ‘Swachh Bharat’ campaign a step ahead. Special instructions were given at many mosques not to litter the City with garbage and waste water. Devotees were instructed to collect all the waste in one place and not throw it around.
According to various market associations, nearly four lakh sheep were purchased for slaughter, but only 40 per cent were sacrificed on Monday. This was because of shortage of butchers, they said.
The price of a sacrificial sheep ranged from Rs 5,000 to Rs two lakh each. The maximum demand was for Bannur variety.
Mohammed Ibrees Choudhury, Russell Market Association general secretary, told Deccan Herald that this was the first time donations had been made towards the relief of floods victims.
“Some people are sending their contributions through Kashmir associations and government agencies, or directly through some known sources,” he said.
The number of cows and camels slaughtered this year was 30 per cent less than last year. Farmers who had come from various villages across Karnataka to Pottery Road near Frazer Town did brisk business.
Muslims started their day by offering prayers at mosques from 5.30 am, after which they greeted and wished each other. Vehicular movement was disrupted in some places, including the City Market area, Mysore Road, Dairy Circle and Tannery Road.
