Karachi resident describes emotional bond with sacrificial calf raised like family

A Karachi resident has shared the emotional connection he developed with a calf he raised for Eid-ul-Adha, saying the animal became “like a family member” after being cared for at home for more than a year.

Speaking about the bond with Dialogue Pakistan,, the owner said love can be found with anyone, but the affection people receive from animals is unique because “they do not deceive people the way humans sometimes do”.

The man introduced the calf, named Rajua, and explained that it had been raised from a young age with the same level of care given to children in the family.

Recalling how the animal was purchased, he said the family initially visited a cattle market in search of a suitable animal but could not find one they liked. They were later informed about a calf available at another location and immediately took an interest in it because of its appearance, colour and breed.

At the time of purchase, the calf was around one-and-a-half years old and not yet eligible for sacrifice. The family therefore kept and raised it on the rooftop of their home for another year until it became suitable for Eid sacrifice.

The owner revealed that the seller had initially demanded Rs300,000 for the calf, but after lengthy negotiations the family eventually bought it for Rs220,000.

He said the animal was initially frightened and reluctant to interact with family members after arriving at the house. However, over time, through feeding, bathing and regular care, the calf became deeply attached to him.

According to the owner, the animal now recognises him immediately, stands up when he approaches with fodder and refuses to eat if someone else feeds it.

“She places her neck on my hand when I sit beside her,” he said, adding that the calf behaves “like a child”.

The owner also described the special diet prepared for the animal throughout the year, including ghee and milk during winter and yoghurt mixed with mustard oil during the summer to help it stay cool. He estimated the monthly expenses for its care at around Rs25,000 to Rs30,000, despite rising inflation.

Speaking emotionally about Eid-ul-Adha, he admitted that the day of sacrifice becomes deeply upsetting for him each year.

“I cannot perform the sacrifice myself because I become emotional, so my father carries it out,” he said, adding that he cried after the family’s previous sacrificial animal was slaughtered.

He urged others to raise sacrificial animals at home throughout the year so they could better understand the emotional and spiritual significance of the sacrifice.