During Eid, more and more Muslims want Salman Khan, rather than Hrithik Roshan.
Surprised? These are the names of goats being sold ahead of Wednesday's Islamic festival.
In Jaipur, 20 to 25 trucks loaded with goats arrive daily in various markets.
A goat nicknamed Salman and weighing 100 kg is likely to fetch a price of Rs.50,000. Some sell for
Rs.20,000-30,000.
Hussain Ahmed, a goat seller, told: "This year over 30,000 goats are expected to be sold."
He said the total sales in all three goat markets in Jaipur has already touched Rs.2.5 million.
The price of a goat ranges from Rs.2,000 to Rs.100,000.
Ahmed added: "Special attention is given to the upkeep the goat so that animals put on more weight
during the time of the festival. Special diet including fruits and vegetables and even dry fruits are given
to the animal.
"The goats are generally kept in a clean environment so that they don't catch any disease and can
fetch a high price."
Another trader said that a goat having any pious Islamic sign over its body is considered to be
auspicious and fetches a premium.
He added: "A white goat is also considered fortunate and fetches better price compared to a black
one."
Thursday, January 12, 2006 15:21 IST