Makhachkala residents reported on meat prices ahead of Eid al-Adha.
Meat prices in Makhachkala and Kaspiysk have increased slightly ahead of Eid al-Adha, but low-income families are unable to treat relatives and neighbors to the holiday tradition.
As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," on May 18, Dagestan authorities declared May 27, 28, and 29 days off in connection with Eid al-Adha, which this year falls on Wednesday, May 27. This means the republic will have five consecutive days off, including May 30 and 31 (Saturday and Sunday). The days from May 27th to 29th have also been declared non-working in Chechnya and Ingushetia, and in Kabardino-Balkaria, only one day, May 27th, has been declared a day off.
Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayram) is the Feast of the Sacrifice, commemorating the Prophet Ibrahim's decision to sacrifice his son. It falls on the tenth day of the month of Dhul-Hijj, which marks the completion of the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. Meat from animals sacrificed during Eid al-Adha is traditionally shared with the poor, as well as with relatives and friends.
Meat prices in Makhachkala remained virtually unchanged ahead of Eid al-Adha – around 700 rubles per kilogram of beef and 800 rubles per kilogram of lamb, local resident Magomedrasul told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.
During the holiday, he plans to use a butchering service at a specially equipped site and distribute some of the meat to relatives.
Makhachkala resident Murad noticed only a slight increase in lamb prices. "Beef hasn't gone up much, but lamb has gone up a bit. This is because it's being sold to catering establishments for shashlik." "Wholesale lamb costs about 750 rubles," he said.
Makhachkala resident Salimat said she will celebrate Eid al-Adha with her family, close relatives. "Meat has gone up in price a bit. We're not a wealthy family, so we can't afford to buy a lot at these prices and then give it away. There's a butcher shop near our house, but it's very expensive for us: beef is about 800 rubles, lamb is even more expensive. It's a little cheaper at the market, but it's a long way away. But what can we do, we have to buy it there," she said.
Kaspiysk resident Zurab said the cost of meat has remained almost unchanged before Eid al-Adha.
"The markets don't raise prices because they slaughter livestock for the holiday, and many people buy meat there. We'll give it to relatives, and some to poor neighbors. "We'll keep the rest for ourselves, prepare meals, and invite guests," he told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.
"Caucasian Knot" wrote that in March, during the month of Ramadan, residents of Makhachkala noticed rising food prices both at markets and in stores, particularly for meat and eggs. Amid the general price hike, cafe and restaurant owners were also forced to raise prices. The head of the Dagestan government, Abdulmuslim Abdulmuslimov, then stated that every year, when people prepare for Eid al-Fitr, some vendors and retail outlets try to profit from increased demand by unreasonably raising prices. "I call on and warn all entrepreneurs in Dagestan to show respect for their customers, the traditions of our republic, and the holy holiday," the Prime Minister reported on March 11.