In the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka, cows and livestock are loaded off of boats and led to market.<br/> Every year thousands of Muslims flock to markets like this one in preparation for the holy day of Eid al-Adha.<br/> The day is typically celebrated with the slaughter of a sacrificial animal, usually a cow, a goat, or a sheep, the meat of which is divided amongst family members and shared with the poor.<br/> Residents spend time inspecting the potential merchandise.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Bengali) SHAHEEN AHMED, A BYER SAYING: "During the holy Eid-al-Adha we slaughter animals in the name of God , so we have come here to buy a cow, and are just making a choice and hope to buy one."<br/> Soaring food costs and high unemployment in Pakistan are putting somewhat of a damper on Eid festivities this year.<br/> In one of Asia's biggest cattle markets, cows and goats outnumber customers by a large margin.<br/> Livestock traders say a spike in wholesale costs have forced them increase prices this year.<br/> Animals of the highest calibre can cost upwards of nearly $3000 U.S. dollars.. and for residents who live on 2 dollars a day, those prices are unimaginable.<br/> Many people have chosen to pool their resources with family and friends to buy one animal to share.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Urdu) CUSTOMER, MOHAMMAD WASEEM, SAYING:<br/> "The people now prefer a collective sacrifice as they share the animal with father, mother and brothers. In past, a person was able to slaughter the whole animal. The prices were Rs.70,000, 80,000, but now the prices have gone up to Rs.1 50,000 or 200,000, how can one afford it."<br/> According to Islam, Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of the prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son to God.<br/> Julie Noce, Reuters
