bakrā manḍī (/ˈbək.raː ˈmʌn.ɖi/)
The Goat Market
Picture story by Hammad Iqbal
Shepherds and cattle raisers are among the earliest risers, greeting the world long before the first light of dawn stretches across the horizon. Though many may not have formal schooling or worldly education, their lives are deeply rooted in unwavering faith and devotion. Each day begins with the quiet reverence of Fajr prayer, a moment of connection with their Creator before stepping into the rhythms of their labor. With trust in divine providence, they open their stalls to the day’s first customers, their hearts filled with hope that by sunset, their beloved animals will find new homes at a fair price.
As the first golden rays of sunlight spill across the horizon, the market stirs to life. People begin to gather, drawn by the promise of trade and community. The air fills with a symphony of sounds—a lively orchestra of bleating sheep, grumbling cattle, snorting goats, and the occasional roar of a camel. Beneath it all, a vibrant tapestry of voices rises, a chorus of accents, slangs, and dialects weaving together in a way that feels both chaotic and harmonious. This unique blend of sounds and rhythms gives the market its unmistakable character, a sensory signature that can’t be replicated anywhere else. It’s not just a place of commerce; it’s a living, breathing experience, a celebration of culture, connection, and the unbreakable bond between people and their animals.
Adults and children weave through the bustling market, their eyes scanning the rows of animals in search of the perfect match. Some move with purpose, stopping to inspect a goat’s coat or a camel’s stance, while others linger, soaking in the lively atmosphere. For those seeking a quieter, more focused experience, cars glide slowly through the lanes, their occupants shielded from the earthy scents of manure, alfalfa, and hay. From behind rolled-up windows, they observe the scene, making their choices with a detached yet deliberate calm. Whether on foot or behind the wheel, every visitor plays a part in the market’s vibrant tapestry, each with their own way of navigating this unique world.
The diversity of faces in a place like the 'Bakra Mandi' is nothing short of breathtaking. Each person carries a life story—unique, intriguing, and often inspiring—hidden behind their first glance. While the rapid pace and constant bustle of the market make it nearly impossible to sit down for a one-on-one interview, a single photograph can speak volumes. A quick gaze into the lens, the deep wrinkles etched by time and toil, the calloused hands shaped by years of labor, the dust-streaked clothes, and the hoarse voices weathered by life—all these details whisper stories to an attentive observer. For the avid reader, these fleeting moments captured in a frame offer a glimpse into lives rich with resilience, struggle, and quiet dignity.
To an outsider, a brief visit to this world might feel like a sensory adventure, a fleeting rush of joy and novelty. But the reality is different altogether. This is a world built on grit and resilience, where survival demands relentless labor. Hours of backbreaking work, haggling with bargain-seeking customers, and the bittersweet ache of parting with animals raised with tender care—all culminate in a day’s end that sometimes feels unjust. The money that gets into the hands may not be fair, but it’s another day done, another animal gone to a new home, another fresh wrinkle below the eye, and another callous on already hardened hands. And yet, it’s also a moment to pause and give thanks to the Lord for sustaining them through the day with dignity.
Nothing in this life lasts forever—not the struggles, not the joys. But as long as faith remains unshaken, the rising sun brings with it a renewed hope, a quiet promise that tomorrow is another chance to begin again.