The annual traditional donkey fair has officially commenced in Chitrakoot, drawing traders from far and wide to the banks of the Ramghat. Held on the day following Diwali on the occasion of Govardhan Puja, this unique marketplace sees animals being bought and sold under the names of prominent film stars. Sellers and buyers assign celebrity names such as Shah Rukh, Salman, and Amitabh Bachchan to the animals, setting the tone for the bidded prices that follow in this vibrant yet unusual rural gathering.
A Historical Fair Dating Back To Aurangzeb Era
Historical accounts suggest that this distinct fair has been organized continuously since the reign of Aurangzeb, preserving a centuries-old tradition along the riverbanks. Satish Kumar Sonkar, a trader who traveled to the fair to sell animals, noted that the grandeur of the event has gradually diminished over time. In today's modern and mechanized era, the utility of donkeys has declined significantly as people rely more on machinery, leading to a drop in overall interest and participation compared to earlier decades.
Falling Prices And Shifting Market Dynamics
Traders point out that valuations have taken a steep downward turn over the years. Animals that previously fetched between 40,000 and 50,000 rupees in past decades now struggle to command even 15,000 to 20,000 rupees. Sonkar mentioned that he brought roughly 15 animals to the grounds this season, but a large portion remains unsold due to inadequate offers from prospective buyers who are hesitant to spend higher amounts in the current economic climate of the marketplace.
Shrinking Turnout And Lower Animal Numbers
Fair organizer Ramesh highlighted that while the tradition of naming animals after celebrities like Shah Rukh and Salman remains intact, the overall scale of the event is shrinking. The number of active buyers has dwindled steadily, and high-breed mules and donkeys are becoming increasingly scarce at the venue. While historical editions of the fair routinely witnessed over 1,000 animals arriving for trade, this year's tally has plummeted to around 400 animals, reflecting a broader contraction in the traditional livestock trade.
Top Bids Fetching Up To Rs 75000
Despite the overall sluggishness in trade, a few standout animals managed to attract substantial bids. The highest recorded sale so far is a donkey named after Amitabh Bachchan, which commanded a price of 72,000 rupees. Meanwhile, a mule named Kallu received a bid of 75,000 rupees, though its owner is holding out for an even higher offer before finalizing the sale, demonstrating that high-value transactions still occur for select animals.
