'Dhanno gave me everything': Once honoured by PM Modi, Haryana buffalo’s 25th b'day turns into farewell attended by 20,000

By-Kumar MukeshHISAR: In a unique tribute, renowned cattle breeder Ishwar Singh of Singhwa Khas village, Narnaund area of Hisar district, organised a ceremonial farewell for his prized buffalo Dhanno on her 25th birthday, drawing nearly 20,000 people on Sunday.Ishwar said Dhanno, bought 18 years ago for Rs 2 lakh from Kaithal district, brought him national recognition and earned crores through milk competitions and cattle fairs. "The lifespan of a buffalo is usually 25 to 26 years. Dhanno gave me everything—wealth, fame, and identity. This event was organised to honour her contribution," he said.The event saw participation from cattle breeders across Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. Around 550 breeders were felicitated with mementoes made in Dhanno's honour. A grand community feast was arranged, with dishes ranging from moong halwa, jalebi, and laddoo to shahi paneer, dal makhani, butter naan, and tandoori missi roti.Dhanno's achievements are remarkable. She once set a record by producing 25 kg of milk in a day, won multiple national championships, and bagged beauty titles eight times in a row. In one event, she fetched a prize of Rs 40 lakh, while one of her heifers was sold for Rs 12.5 lakh. Over the years, her calves and semen sales brought in additional lakhs, collectively earning Ishwar crores. Dhanno was even honoured once by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Former deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala also attended the ceremony and congratulated Ishwar for his contribution to cattle breeding.