Daily Times

Like every city in Pakistan, Karachi is in the grips of Eid fervour. Its markets lit up and adorned in celebration. A new niche is observed; decorative items for sacrificial animals litter the stalls, varying in style and content.

Visiting different markets in the area highlighted how seasonal businessmen have also jumped in to cash the opportunity by setting up stalls in residential areas to sell decorative ornaments for animals like garland, tikka, jhanjhanr, ghungroo and metallic bands whose prices range between Rs250 and 1,000.

While talking to Daily Times, a customer, who identified just as Tanveer, said that the demand of ornaments for decorating sacrificial animals had increased exponentially. He said that sellers decorate their animals to get the highest bid possible, and buyers decorate the animals to impress people.

Asif Latif, an ornament seller, said that selling of ornaments is a profitable business during Eid-ul-Azha. The occasion comes once a year to make a reasonable earning. According to the shoppers, the decked out animals are a wondrous sight to behold. They drew amusing parallels, likening the spectacle to that of a fashion show.

Meanwhile, the Bohra community celebrated Eid-ul-Azha on Tuesday, with unrivaled religious zeal and fervor across Pakistan. A large number of members of Bohra community offered Eid-ul-Azha prayers at the Tahiri Masjid in Karachi.

Moreover, the provincial government has made foolproof security arrangements for the Eid day. Large contingents of Rangers and Police officials have been stationed at public areas with a focus on mosques. Special arrangements by the government have been made for disposal of offal and other solid waste during the three days of Eid.

Furthermore, city officials said that special waste disposal teams have been formed at the district level who will work in shifts of three, round the clock. The teams will handle the affairs of cattle markets, removing animals’ hides and waste to ensure Karachi remains clean. According to the official, Section 144 of the PPC has been imposed on the collection of animal hides.

Political and social welfare organisations will have to obtain permission from the commissioner or area’s deputy commissioner to collect animal hides this year.

Eid prayers will be offered at Eidgahs, mosques and open places in Karachi, the main congregation of Eid will be held at Gulshan-e-Jinnah (old Polo Ground).

Senior police official told Daily Times, law enforcement agencies and policemen will be vigilant throughout Eid. Extra precautions have been taken to ensure that the people of Karachi enjoy a safe and happy Eid.

Published in Daily Times, August 22^nd 2018.