Muslims prepare for Eid

In the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka, cows and livestock are loaded off of boats and led to market.
Every year thousands of Muslims flock to markets like this one in preparation for the holy day of Eid al-Adha.
The day is typically celebrated with the slaughter of a sacrificial animal, usually a cow, a goat, or a sheep, the meat of which is divided amongst family members and shared with the poor.
Residents spend time inspecting the potential merchandise.
(SOUNDBITE) (Bengali) SHAHEEN AHMED, A BYER SAYING: "During the holy Eid-al-Adha we slaughter animals in the name of God , so we have come here to buy a cow, and are just making a choice and hope to buy one."
Soaring food costs and high unemployment in Pakistan are putting somewhat of a damper on Eid festivities this year.
In one of Asia's biggest cattle markets, cows and goats outnumber customers by a large margin.
Livestock traders say a spike in wholesale costs have forced them increase prices this year.
Animals of the highest calibre can cost upwards of nearly $3000 U.S. dollars.. and for residents who live on 2 dollars a day, those prices are unimaginable.
Many people have chosen to pool their resources with family and friends to buy one animal to share.
(SOUNDBITE) (Urdu) CUSTOMER, MOHAMMAD WASEEM, SAYING:
"The people now prefer a collective sacrifice as they share the animal with father, mother and brothers. In past, a person was able to slaughter the whole animal. The prices were Rs.70,000, 80,000, but now the prices have gone up to Rs.1 50,000 or 200,000, how can one afford it."
According to Islam, Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of the prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son to God.
Julie Noce, Reuters