Eid al-Adha is one of the most important festivals in Islam. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God

Before the sacrifice could take place, God provided a ram to be sacrificed instead. The festival also marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca

The festival is observed on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar

Ahead of Bakrid, large livestock markets are set up across cities and towns where goats, sheep, camels and other animals are brought for sale

Traders often travel from villages and rural areas to urban markets with hundreds of animals. The animals are kept in temporary sheds or open enclosures where they are fed, washed and decorated to attract buyers

Goats and sheep are priced based on several factors including breed, weight, height, age, health and appearance. One of the key ways buyers estimate the age of an animal is by examining its teeth

Bargaining is also a major part of the livestock trade, with buyers negotiating prices that can range from a few thousand rupees to several lakhs for premium animals

Healthy animals with shiny coats, strong bodies and good posture often fetch higher prices. Some rare breeds or specially raised goats can cost significantly more due to their size and appearance

During the festive period, markets witness heavy crowds, especially in Gulf countries and South Asian nations, where families purchase animals days before the festival

The atmosphere is marked by prayers, community gatherings and preparations for the religious observance

Sheep are pictured at a bustling livestock market ahead of Eid al-Adha in Tripoli, where traders and buyers gather to purchase sacrificial animals for the upcoming celebrations

Eid al-Adha will be celebrated across most parts of India on May 28, after the Dhul-Hijjah crescent moon was not sighted earlier this week