Eid Feast Frenzy: Kashmir Splurges Over Rs 200 Crore on Mutton
With prices touching Rs 750–Rs 800 per kg, festive demand drives massive spending as Wazwan traditions keep kitchens bustling
Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: As Eid festivities sweep across Kashmir, the Valley’s deep-rooted love for mutton has once again translated into staggering consumption, with estimates suggesting that over Rs 200–Rs 230 crore worth of mutton is being consumed during the festive period this year.
Despite soaring prices—ranging between Rs 750 and Rs 800 per kilogram—there has been no dampening of demand. From Srinagar’s bustling markets to far-flung villages, butcher shops have witnessed long queues, with families stocking up for traditional feasts that define Eid celebrations.
Rough estimates indicate that nearly 30 lakh kilograms (3,000 tonnes) of mutton are consumed across Kashmir during Eid. With an average price hovering around Rs 775 per kg, the total expenditure comfortably crosses the Rs 230 crore mark—highlighting not just culinary preference but also the cultural centrality of mutton in Kashmiri households.
“Mutton is not just food here, it’s emotion—especially on Eid,” said a local butcher from downtown Srinagar. “People may cut down on other expenses, but they won’t compromise on their Eid feast.”
Adding to this, Mehrajudin, President of the Mutton Dealers Association Kashmir, said, “This year’s Eid demand has been extraordinary despite high prices. Supplies were stretched, but we ensured adequate availability across the Valley. Consumption has definitely crossed previous years, reflecting how integral mutton is to our traditions.”
The demand peaks particularly for dishes associated with the famed wazwan cuisine, where preparations like rista, goshtaba, rogan josh, and yakhni take center stage. For many families, Eid is incomplete without a lavish spread, often shared with relatives and neighbors.
Dealers say that supply chains have remained under pressure due to heightened demand. “We have been working round the clock. Trucks loaded with livestock arrived continuously over the past few days, but even that seems barely enough,” said a wholesale meat dealer in the city.
Interestingly, the spike in consumption comes at a time when inflationary pressures persist, yet the festive spirit appears resilient. “Eid comes once a year. Even if prices are high, we adjust our budget—because traditions matter,” said a local resident shopping in Lal Chowk.
As the aroma of slow-cooked mutton dishes fills homes and gatherings bring communities together, Kashmir’s Eid once again underscores a simple truth: here, celebrations are incomplete without the richness of mutton—no matter the cost.
