Srinagar: A practice once largely unfamiliar in Kashmir is gradually finding space in Eid-ul-Adha preparations, with camel traders arriving in the Valley and encouraging people to opt for camel sacrifice ahead of the festival.
Livestock markets across parts of Kashmir have begun to see camels, drawing curiosity among buyers and adding a different dimension to the traditional Eid trade dominated by sheep, goats, and cattle.
Traders dealing in camels said interest in the practice has increased over recent years, particularly among groups of people looking for a shared and comparatively economical option for sacrifice.
Under Islamic tradition, a camel is among the animals most permissible for sacrifice during Eid-ul-Adha.
Islamic teachings permit a camel sacrifice to be shared by up to seven persons, making it financially manageable compared to purchasing separate sacrificial animals individually.
The practice, while historically more common in desert regions, remained relatively uncommon in Kashmir where sheep and goats traditionally formed the core of Eid sacrifices.
That pattern, traders say, is slowly changing.
Camel sellers arriving in Kashmir ahead of Eid said awareness regarding Islamic permissibility and the shared nature of camel sacrifice has encouraged interest among some sections of the public.
“People are asking questions and showing curiosity. Many see it as a practical and affordable option for several families or friends together,” a trader said at a local livestock market.
The growing visibility of camels in markets has also turned them into a point of attraction, with visitors gathering around transport vehicles and temporary holding areas to inspect the animals.
The emergence of camel trade in Kashmir markets reflects changing consumer choices and growing exposure to practices followed elsewhere in the Muslim world. [KNT]
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