As in previous years, a goat market has been set up at Goldighirpar in Cox’s Bazar city ahead of Mansa Puja, a religious festival of the Hindu community.
Trading has already begun to pick up at the market, with sellers bringing goats and bucks of various sizes from different areas.
During a visit to Goldighirpar on Friday afternoon, rows of goats and bucks could be seen at the market. Buyers looking to purchase goats for the puja were inspecting the animals and bargaining with sellers over prices.
Sellers said demand for goats usually rises at the market ahead of Mansa Puja every year. They therefore start collecting goats from different areas several days before the festival and bring them to the market.
Prices are being set based on the animals’ size and weight.
Several buyers said they had come to the Goldighirpar market to purchase goats for the religious rituals associated with the puja.
“There are goats of different ages and sizes, so buyers have the opportunity to choose according to their preferences,” they said, adding that prices differed somewhat from those of last year.
Resident Rahul Manajan said the goat market at Goldighirpar ahead of Mansa Puja had been a long-standing tradition.
“Every year during the puja, the market takes on a festive atmosphere with the presence of buyers and sellers,” he said.
As Mansa Puja approaches, the number of buyers at the market is also increasing.
Those involved in the trade expect goat buying and selling to pick up in the days leading up to the puja.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
