EID-UL-ADHA : "KURBAN BYRAMI" (FEAST OF SACRIFICE)

Photos and Story by: Yusra Afzal/BUKC

 

Eid ul Azha, also known as Eid al-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice, is a significant religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide. The festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God's command, as mentioned in the Quran.

Junaid is talking on phone with a customer lying on bed while his workers are gathering food from truck

Eid-ul-Azha holds deep religious and cultural significance in the Islamic tradition. It is a time to reinforce important values, strengthen bonds with family and community, and express gratitude to God for His countless blessings.

A small shop located in Mandi where a retailer is waiting for a customer to buy food at night

Boys often research the types of animals  used for sacrifice during Eid-ul-Azha. They gather information about the different breeds, sizes, and prices of animals available in the market. This research helps them make an informed decision when selecting an animal.

A man is numbering on a stressed goat's ear in Mandi

Boys may discuss the budget for purchasing the sacrificial animal with their parents or guardians. They consider factors such as the family's financial situation, the size of the animal needed, and any other expenses related to its care and transportation.

A boy is arranging food for animals from a shopper in Mandi

Boys often accompany their family members to livestock markets or farms to choose the sacrificial animal. They actively participate in the decision-making process by assessing the health, age, size, and overall appearance of the animals available. 

Group of friends are enjoying and playing with cow while taking pictures

Boys carefully inspect the potential animals for purchase. They look for signs of good health, such  bright eyes, a clean coat, and alertness. They also assess the animal's size and weight to ensure it meets the family's requirements. Boys often spend time bonding with the animal they have chosen. They might pet, groom, or play with it to develop connection. This bond is important because it reflects the compassion and care they should have towards the animal before its sacrifice.

Boys are waiting for their cow to be loaded on truck with safety

In some cases, boys may be entrusted with the task of negotiating the price of the animal. They learn how to haggle respectfully, trying to secure a fair deal while maintaining good relations with the seller.

Old man is selling home made traditional sweets to workers in Mandi

If the animal is bought from a distant location, boys may help with making transportation arrangements. This can involve hiring a vehicle or coordinating with the seller to deliver the animal to their home.

A child is lying on cow's jewelry stall and selling it to customers 

Boys prepare a suitable shelter for the animal in their home or designated area. They ensure it is clean, spacious, and provides protection from weather conditions. This may involve setting up temporary enclosures or modifying existing structures.

Group of boys are ready to take their cow home and they are standing with cow on truck

Boys assist in arranging proper food and water for the animal. They make sure it has an adequate supply of nutritious feed and clean drinking water to keep it healthy and well-nourished.

Cows are sitting under high rise sun

Boys may seek guidance from their elders or experienced individuals regarding the care and handling of the sacrificial animal. They learn about feeding schedules, grooming practices, and signs of any potential health issues.

Care taker of camels are waiting for customers to come and buy their camels having a starting price of 750K

Two house servants are taking care of animals in night

Mezab is caring for his cow by giving him food

After selecting the sacrificial animal, boys take on the responsibility of caring for it until the day of the sacrifice. This involves providing food, water, and shelter for the animal. They ensure the animal is well-fed and kept in a clean and comfortable environment.

A worker is giving bath to his cow to help him stay away from bacteria

These preparations before buying a sacrificial animal for Eid-ul-Azha help boys learn about responsible decision-making, animal care, and the significance of the festival. It also involves them actively in the process, allowing them to contribute to the family's preparations for this important religious occasion.

A man is helping camel to take him out from a falling truck

Group of Boys are hanging out with cow and having cow race together

Boys often spend time with the animal, engaging in activities that help establish a bond. They may pet, groom, or play with the animal to create a sense of trust and compassion, as they will be responsible for its well-being until the day of the sacrifice. Boys, along with their families, visit livestock markets or farms to choose the sacrificial animal. This animal is usually a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. They carefully inspect the animals, looking for qualities like good health, age, size, and overall appearance. After selecting the sacrificial animal, boys take on the responsibility of caring for it until the day of the sacrifice. This involves providing food, water, and shelter for the animal. They ensure the animal is well-fed and kept in a clean and comfortable environment.

On a huge ground, cows are being slaughtered together with perfection

Boys may engage in physical activities to prepare for the upcoming tasks of slaughtering and butchering the animal. This can involve practicing the necessary skills, such as handling a knife or learning the appropriate techniques for the sacrifice. As Eid-ul-Azha approaches, boys assist their elders in various preparations related to the festival. They may help with cleaning the house, shopping for groceries, or preparing meals for the festive celebrations.

Qasayi are starting to remove cow's skin after some time of slaughter

As Eid ul Azha approaches, boys assist their elders in various preparations related to the festival. They may help with cleaning the house, shopping for groceries, or preparing meals for the festive celebrations.

Cow's head are being put together to crack their head and make brain

After the Eid prayer, boys may participate in the actual sacrificial ritual, supervised by their elders. They assist in slaughtering the animal according  Islamic guidelines. The meat is then divided into three parts, with one part kept for the family, another distributed among relatives and friends, and the final part given to the less fortunate and needy.

Stomach and intestines of animals are lifted and being put on a truck