Eid-ul-Adha, a significant Islamic Festival of Sacrifice will be celebrated on November 7, 2011 in Udaipur and many parts of the world. Eid ul Adha is celebrated to express the eternal love for God, the Almighty by sacrificing the materialistic pleasures of the world which is believed to be not long lasting.

In respect of this, Muslims perform the annual pilgrimage of Hajj and after its completion, Eid ul Adha is celebrated by observing an important custom of sacrificing a goat or a lamb. (Why and how is written in this article).

Every year in Udaipur a few days before Eid Ul Adha, a temporary market is set at Hathipol’s Panadhya Marg where dozens of goat sellers from nearby villages settle down and sell their animals.

This road has lots of handicraft and cloth shops which also attract tourists; the same road is also used frequently as a main passage to go towards Chetak Circle and Delhi Gate. In peak hours Panadhya Marg turns jam packed with tourist vehicle parked and the ongoing traffic.

Above all crammed situations mentioned above, a goat market known as Bakra Mandi adds more obstructions to the pedestrians and vehicles.

Unnecessary to say that due to Bakra Mandi the area gives foul smell, becomes dirty and annoys others. The objection has nothing to do with religion or festival, as a Muslim I understand the value of religious beliefs so keep my allegations out of the religion.

Instead of using the space located in middle of the main road, this mandi can be set in an open areas or grounds, for example in Mumbai such markets are set at Deonar.

Our correspondent tried to contact the concerned persons to talk about the matter but Udaipur Municipal Council’s Chairperson Rajni Dangi could not be reached by phone while area councilor Ayub Khan said, “This place is very convenient for both buyers and sellers of goats and till now we have never thought to relocate them somewhere else nor have we received any complain from anyone but since UT has raised the issue, I will definitely talk to our Chairperson.”

When we reached the Bakra Mandi and tried to talk to one of the goat sellers Sallu, he said, “This mandi is going on since last 20 years, the place is the best and easy to approach as it is close to Muslim colonies of the city, we don’t find any better place than this.”

I believe sacrificing one’s own ease for other’s benefit is the best way we can celebrate Eid Ul Adha, Muslims should come up and support this suggestion to help our city to progress in every aspect.

And our leaders should understand that going on a foreign trip will not grow Udaipur till we don’t react effectively on core development of the city.

I will ask our readers to share their comments on the matter.

Report By: Sayeed Ahmed