Eid-ul-Zuha: Remembering a great sacrifice

NEW DELHI: The walled city was all decked up on Sunday, the day before Eid-ul-Zuha. Meena Bazar, Chandni Chowk and Dariba - the shopping arcades of the heritage city - were teeming with people. While women were on a lookout for a good bargain on decorative household items and clothes for the children, many men could be seen carrying goats and sheep back home even as butchers claimed to be overbooked.
To Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Imam of Jama Masjid, such fervor normal in the run up to Bakri-eid, also known as Eid-ul-Zuha, which is observed on Monday.
"This is one of the important religious festivals in Islam. Bakri-eid is celebrated to commemorate Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God; before God intervened to provide him with a ram- to sacrifice instead. During this celebration we sacrifice goats or sheep," Bukhari said. The Imam added that early morning prayers will be held on Monday at Jama Masjid after which people go home and offer sacrifices.
Manzoor Akhtar, a resident of Jamia Nagar in South Delhi, said he bought two goats at Meena Bazaar for Rs 19,000. "I bought them today, so it cost more. A week ago, it would have cost up to Rs 10,000. Now, I am rushing home to help my family to prepare for tomorrow's feast. Over 50 people are expected," he said. Akhtar added that one-third of all the meat and other delicacies prepared at home is given to the poor.
"The most expensive goat sold this year was priced at Rs 2.5 lakh. It had 'Allah' etched on it naturally," said Mohammad Akram, a Moradabad-based farmer who had travelled to Delhi to sell goats.
For housewives, Eid ul-Zuha means spending time in kitchen preparing delicious delicacies for the family.
"On Bakri-eid after sacrificing the goat, the meat we get has to be divided before we cook dishes such as Korma, Biryani and Kaleji. After offering prayers in the morning, one has to start the day with meat of the sacrificed goat or sheep," said Ishrat Akram, a housewife. Some people also prepare desserts like sewaiyaan and kheer for vegetarian guests.
"My parents have got me a kurta-pyjama set and a new pair shoes. I am so happy. After the morning prayers and feasting at home, we will go to visit our relatives," said Aamir, a 14-year-old boy.
Elsewhere in the city women could be seen in markets shopping for bangles and shawls. "Inflation and high costs are no barriers to festivities. In fact, these are rare occasion when we get an opportunity to celebrate. I have also bought one small goat to sacrifice and new clothes for my children," said Mohammad Rahim, a rickshaw puller.