As Eid-ul-Adha, commonly known as Bakrid, draws near, Patna's bustling goat markets are witnessing an extraordinary surge in demand for premium livestock. Among the thousands of animals on offer, two goats, affectionately named "Salman" and "Sultan," have captured the city's attention, fetching prices typically reserved for luxury assets.
"Salman" Commands ₹2.4 Lakh, "Sultan" Sells for ₹1.8 Lakh
At the renowned Jagdev Path goat market in Patna, these star attractions have become the talk of the town. "Salman," a magnificent black goat weighing over 100 kilograms and standing nearly four feet tall, has been valued at an astonishing ₹2.4 lakh. Hailing from Bihar's Ara district, "Salman" was brought to the market by trader Parvez, who claims the goat was raised on a meticulously planned diet of grains, green vegetables, and nutritional supplements.
Not far behind, "Sultan" has been priced at ₹1.8 lakh by its owner, Saddam, who traveled from Uttar Pradesh’s Mau district to participate in the festive trade. Both animals are drawing significant crowds, with visitors stopping to capture photos and videos, highlighting their celebrity status ahead of the festival.
The Rising Trend of Premium Goats
While most goats at the Patna market are sold within the range of ₹15,000 to ₹40,000, traders note a growing trend in recent years where special breeds and exceptionally well-maintained animals command prices running into lakhs. This phenomenon is partly fueled by social media, which amplifies the popularity of such high-value livestock during the Eid season.
Several factors contribute to these elevated prices. Traders point to increased transportation costs, expensive cattle feed, and rising veterinary care as key drivers. Despite these higher costs, and even amidst soaring summer temperatures and general inflation, buyers seeking premium breeds demonstrate a strong willingness to spend big.
Market Dynamics and Challenges
The Bakrid goat market in Patna is a vital source of seasonal income for livestock traders across Bihar and neighboring states, drawing thousands of buyers annually. However, vendors report that the intense heatwave affecting North India has slightly impacted business this year, leading to lower daytime footfall compared to previous seasons.
Nevertheless, the allure of premium goats like "Salman" and "Sultan" remains undimmed, attracting attention both offline and online. Their viral videos underscore how festive demand can transform traditional livestock trading into a booming seasonal enterprise, where select animals are not just commodities but highly valued possessions.