BSS Collage Photo

By Shubhabrata Dutta

BARISAL, May 24, 2025 (BSS) - Ahead of the Eid-ul-Adha, the demand for meat-cutting tools has surged in the markets of Barisal district and its upazilas, while blacksmiths are working around the clock to meet the growing needs.

Most local blacksmiths are currently focused on sharpening tools such as axes, knives, and cleaver (large butcher's knife) - essential for sacrificial meat preparation. These tools are vital for the ritual slaughter of animals like cows, goats, and buffaloes, typically performed over three days starting in the morning of Eid-ul-Adha day.

Visiting a blacksmith shop, one can hear the steady clanging of metal and see fires blazing in coal stoves. The craftsmen are toiling tirelessly from early morning until late night. Some are producing new tools, while others are busy sharpening old ones.

Working in the intense heat of fire pits, blacksmiths are soaked in sweat, their faces marked with exhaustion. Still, they press on, driven by the seasonal demand. Many have set up stalls outside their workshops to sell their products directly to customers.

In markets across Sadar Upazila and other parts of the district, blacksmiths are manufacturing and sharpening various tools like axes, batis (traditional curved cutting tool), knives, and cleaver. These tools are neatly arranged in front of shops, attracting buyers selecting items needed for the Eid qurbani (sacrifices).

Ranjit Kamar from Kamar (blacksmith) Patti in Sadar Upazila said, in addition to meeting local needs, wholesale traders from across the country are also sourcing Qurbani tools from the area.

Butchers, especially seasonal ones, are preparing for Eid as an opportunity for an extra income. They are having tools custom-made to support their temporary business operations. 

According to Ranjit, this heightened activity in Kamarpara will continue until the day of Eid.

Subhash Kamar added that while business is generally slow during the year, demand spikes during Eid-ul-Adha. Mentioning that crowd of buyers in shop has increased significantly. Despite slight price hike, sales remain strong due to high demand. Eid earnings help sustain blacksmiths' households for several months, he added.

He said the current prices range as follows: small knives sell for Tk 80 to 250, large knives for Tk 150 to 300, axes for Tk 250 to 650, cleaver for Tk 300 to 800, slaughtering knives for Tk 500 to 1000, and bone-cutting cleaver for Tk 300 to 400.
 

With Eid-ul-Adha just days away, the Muslims prepare to offer animal sacrifices in devotion to Allah, seeking His blessings and favor.