Both sides of Dholaikhal road in Old Dhaka are now lined with nothing but cows. Farmers' trucks arriving from far away, the bustle of unloading animals one after another and buyers walking about have given the place a distinct atmosphere ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has set up a temporary cattle market this year on the open space south of the Sadek Hossain Khoka field and in the Dholaikhal truck terminal area. According to sources concerned, 21 temporary cattle markets have been set up in the capital this year: 11 in Dhaka North and 10 in Dhaka South.

At the Dholaikhal market, trading goes on every day from morning till night. Sacrificial animals are being brought by the truckload from different districts, and sellers unload cows from one truck after another and take them to their allotted places. Under the supervision of the market organisers, the animals are tied in rows so that buyers can look around easily.

Trading has not stopped despite the bad weather. Some come with umbrellas, others with family members, to look at and buy animals. Children's excitement and adults' efforts to stay within budget have given the market a distinctive mood.

Some buyers are searching for animals within their budget, while others are haggling over a cow they like. Small, medium and large cows are all available.

Many locals have joined seasonal businesses this year. Some have set up water and food stalls, others are selling fodder. These stalls are in the lanes off the main road. Everyone hopes for good sales and that buyers find the animals they want.

Residents of Wari, Bangshal, Sutrapur, Swamibagh and Narinda said visiting the cattle market with family has become a kind of Eid festival for them. It is not just about buying; looking around has become part of the fun.

Mizanur Rahman of Wari told Jago News: "I come with my family just to look around. The children really enjoy it. It has become part of Eid now. Even with the crowd, we have a good time."

Rakibul Hasan of Bangshal told Jago News that cows of different prices can be seen here, making it easy to choose within a budget, and a good animal can be had through bargaining. The environment is comparatively good too, he said. "I have brought the children and they are very happy. Seeing the cows is part of their Eid joy. The whole family is enjoying the time together."

Imran Hossain of Swamibagh told Jago News that although it was crowded, the atmosphere was fairly good and one could bargain. "I come every year, and I'm enjoying it this year too," he said.

Kamrul Islam of Narinda said he comes with his family every year. "We came this year too and we are really enjoying it. It has become a regular part of our Eid," he said.

Farmers from different districts said they had travelled long distances with their animals hoping for a good market and fair prices. Abdul Jalil from Bogura told Jago News: "I have brought the animals a long way with a lot of effort. I hope to get a fair price. Buyers are looking carefully before buying, which is a good thing." He said buyer turnout was good this year and they were hopeful about prices. "If sales go well, the effort will have been worth it."

Sohel Rana, a farmer from Kushtia, said he had taken good care of his animals. "Buyers are looking and liking them. If sales are good, our hard work will pay off," he said.

Md Alamgir, a farmer from Rangpur, said: "We are here despite the rain and wind, waiting for good sales. I hope everyone gets a fair price."

Alamgir Kabir, a manager of the market, told Jago News that security, water and shade had been arranged for buyers and sellers, and they were alert to prevent any disorder. "The crowd will grow further before Eid. We are trying to make sure everyone can buy and sell safely and comfortably," he said.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.