Eid-ul-Adha: Goats up to ₹5 Lakh, Bulls worth ₹12 Lakh; Inflation dampens festive spirit Ahead of Bakrid

New Delhi: Preparations for Eid-ul-Adha (also known as Bakrid or 'Qurbani Eid') - one of the most significant festivals in Islam - are in full swing; however, this year, prices in the livestock markets have left everyone stunned. While ordinary goats have fetched prices reaching up to ₹5 lakh, and bulls intended for sacrifice have soared to as high as ₹12 lakh, buyers are flocking to the markets with a mix of astonishment and dismay. It is reported that a confluence of factors—including inflation, skyrocketing fodder prices, rising fuel costs, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East—has collectively driven up the cost of the livestock trade.

When is Bakrid?

Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of *Dhu al-Hijjah*, the final month of the Islamic calendar. This festival commemorates the unwavering devotion and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) to Allah, specifically the moment when he prepared to sacrifice his own son, Ismail. On this occasion, Muslims across the globe perform the ritual sacrifice of livestock and distribute the meat among the poor and the needy. This year, in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, Pakistan, and several other nations, Bakrid will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. In India, Bangladesh, and certain other countries, the festival will be observed on Thursday, May 28, 2026, contingent upon the sighting of the moon.

How Are High Prices affecting India's Livestock Markets?

In India, livestock markets across all major cities—including Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad—are currently teeming with activity. From dawn till dusk, the markets resonate with the voices of buyers and sellers; yet, upon hearing the price tags, everyone is left utterly aghast.

What is the Situation in Delhi's Markets?

According to reports, in the renowned livestock markets of the national capital—specifically those in the Jama Masjid, Jafrabad, Okhla, and Shahdara areas—even modest-sized goats are currently being sold for prices ranging between ₹25,000 and ₹2 lakh. Premium goats belonging to Rajasthan's renowned Sojat and Jamunapari breeds have fetched prices ranging from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh. The cost of hefty bulls selected for *Qurbani* (ritual sacrifice) starts at ₹1 lakh and reaches up to ₹8 lakh. Reports suggest that certain rare and exceptional-breed bulls are selling for even higher amounts.

What is the situation in Mumbai?

The Deonar market—the country's largest livestock trading hub—is witnessing a flurry of activity. Thousands of animals have been brought here from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. According to reports, ordinary goats in the Deonar market are available for ₹30,000 to ₹80,000, while top-tier premium goats are selling for anywhere between ₹7 lakh and ₹10 lakh. Meanwhile, heavy-weight bulls are available at prices ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹12 lakh. Traders indicate that this year, alongside a surge in demand, there is also significant pressure on supply.

Furthermore, in Lucknow and Kanpur, there is a massive demand for the Sirohi, Kamori, and Barbari breeds. Conversely, in the markets of Hyderabad and Rajasthan, preference is being given to animals with a tall and imposing physique. It is reported that livestock from the rural areas of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan are also being transported toward major markets such as Delhi and Mumbai.

Why the Price Hike?

Traders and livestock breeders state that prices have risen by 20 to 40 percent this year. The primary reasons for this price escalation are as follows:

*   A massive surge in the cost of fodder (feed).
*   Increased transportation costs due to rising diesel and petrol prices.
*   The growing cost of imported animal feed and medicines.
*   Disruptions to the supply chain caused by ongoing tensions in West Asia.
*   Inflation and a general increase in overall operational expenses.

A prominent livestock trader from Delhi noted that a bull which sold for ₹4–5 lakh last year is now fetching a price of ₹8–10 lakh. He further stated that fodder has become expensive, and transportation costs have nearly doubled. This is the reason behind the massive surge in prices.

Has Inflation Taken a Toll in Pakistan and Bangladesh as Well?

It is not just India that is grappling with the impact of inflation; the situation is dire in neighboring countries—Pakistan and Bangladesh—as well. According to reports, goats are being sold in the markets of Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad in Pakistan for prices ranging from 90,000 to 125,000 Pakistani Rupees (approximately 27,000 to 38,000 Indian Rupees). A shortage of fodder combined with inflation has driven market prices even higher. Meanwhile, in major cities across Bangladesh—including Dhaka—livestock traders estimate that prices have risen by 15 to 25 percent this year. The combined impact of rising fuel costs, fodder shortages, and adverse weather conditions has driven up expenses; yet, markets remain bustling with large crowds of buyers.

Despite the steep prices, the festive spirit of Bakrid remains undiminished. Members of the Muslim community are preparing for the 'Qurbani' (ritual sacrifice) with great enthusiasm. Many individuals are also opting for the "shared sacrifice" (sharing) option to help keep costs down.