Bakrid 2026: Sheep Prices Double In Hyderabad As Demand Surges, Premium Animals Touch Rs 3 Lakh

Sheep and goat prices across Hyderabad have surged sharply ahead of Bakrid this year, with traders and buyers witnessing one of the costliest festive seasons in recent years. Driven by rising demand and limited cattle supply, the average price of sheep has nearly doubled compared to last year, while premium breeds are fetching prices running into lakhs.

Markets across the city have become increasingly crowded in the lead-up to the festival, as buyers search for animals suited for Qurbani. Traders say the demand this year is significantly higher than during the pandemic years, when sales and related services had slowed considerably.

Sheep Prices See Massive Jump Ahead Of Bakrid

According to traders in Hyderabad, the average cost of sheep has now touched around Rs 35,000 this year. In comparison, similar animals were being sold for nearly Rs 16,000 to Rs 17,000 during the previous Bakrid season.

Apart from regular livestock, premium-category animals are also attracting attention, with some high-end sheep and goats reportedly being sold for up to Rs 3 lakh. Traders attribute the sharp increase in prices to supply shortages combined with strong festive demand.

The city is also witnessing growing interest in exotic breeds this season, particularly among buyers looking for rare or premium animals for sacrifice during Bakrid.

Exotic Breeds Arrive At Hyderabad Markets

Several temporary livestock markets have come up across Hyderabad ahead of the festival. At Attapur, one of the city's major pre-Bakrid trading hubs, sellers have brought sheep and goats from regions including Kashmir and Ladakh, while some imported breeds are also available for sale.

The increasing presence of exotic and high-value animals has become one of the major attractions at these markets this year. Traders from multiple states have travelled to Hyderabad to capitalise on the festive demand.

Bakrid Business Generates Crores Across Telangana

Bakrid continues to generate business worth crores every year across Hyderabad and other districts of Telangana. Traders from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have set up temporary stalls and livestock markets across the city for the festive season.

With animal prices significantly higher this year, traders expect the overall business turnover to rise further compared to previous years.

The largest livestock markets are currently operating in Mehdipatnam and Jiyaguda. Apart from these, active trading is also taking place in Balapur, Falaknuma, Kalapather, Langer Houz, Chanchalguda, Khilwat, Mallepally and Bowenpally.

Local Entrepreneurs Also Join Seasonal Trade

Alongside established traders from outside Hyderabad, many local businesses and groups of young entrepreneurs have also entered the seasonal livestock trade. Temporary stalls and roadside markets have become a common sight across several localities in the weeks leading up to Bakrid.

Traders say demand for Qurbani-related services, which saw a steep decline during the COVID-19 period, is gradually recovering as more people return to traditional celebrations and animal purchases this year.