Kashmir to observe low-key Eid-ul-Adha in flood aftermath

Eid-ul-Adha celebrations in the Valley are a low key affair this year. The demand for sacrificial goats has also gone down considerably as people are still recovering from the aftermath of the devastating floods last month, which left at least 200 dead and thousands stranded.

There is no rush in the markets or festivity to be seen.

The animal traders in Srinagar city say this year they have less to offer for animal sacrifices as most of their livestock perished in the floods. The blockage of transport system due to damage to infrastructure has also marred their business.

"Last year there was a lot of work, but this year due to the floods, there is no work here. We don't know if this year anything will sell. Earlier, even poor people used to give the sacrifice, but this year, we don't think they will," said Mohammad Yousuf, a goat seller.

He also said as compared to fifteen loaded vehicles of cattle coming every year from his village, this time he has not received even a single one till date.

Customers also said that only those who were comparatively better off this time would be able to celebrate the Feast of the Sacrifice.

"Our main hub was Lal chowk, but it is dead this time. Our market was also there, but now it isn't. There will be a huge difference this year. Only those above the middle class will be able to celebrate this year," said Adil Ahmad, a customer at the cattle market.

But some other residents of the valley say they are trying to make the best out of what they can.

"This year, because of the floods, there have been less number of goods in the market and people have become poorer. People are left with no money. Moreover, there are huge differences in the rates. Due to this flood devastation, people who had preserved cattle in their home for sacrifice, that have also been destroyed. I had three to four animals in my home but they died in the floods," said Manzoor Ahmad, another customer at the cattle market.

More than 75,000 people have been affected in partly submerged homes in Srinagar, where roads have been transformed into stagnant canals strewn with wreckage, trash and dead animals.