Every year in Pakistan, Muslim residents celebrate Eid al-Adha: an observance of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his own son before God stepped in to stop him. For the holiday, a cow is usually used as the sacrificial offering with its meat then divided into three portions — one for themselves, one for their friends and family, and one for the poor and needy in their area.
Sometimes camels, sheep, and other livestock are substituted based on what’s available in the region. However, these camels don’t have to worry about being on the chopping block any time soon.
Instead, these humpbacks are on the receiving end of some rather skillful shearers.
Camel barbers are hired by market traders to give their animals a gorgeous trim.
The intricate designs give their owners an upperhand in the marketplace.
The traders often get around $100-$140 extra on the sale of these beautified beasts.
Yeah, he knows he looks good.
Unlike your local barber who likely uses electric shavers, these follicles are trimmed carefully using ordinary scissors.
Getty Images / Asif Hassan
Local barber Ali Hassan tells Caters that he is able to earn $20-$30 for each amazing design.
Getty Images / Rizwan Tabassum
He travels to Karachi a few weeks before the celebration begins to get a start on his camels.
Getty Images / Rizwan Tabassum
Depending on the size and color of the camel, it usually takes around four hours to complete each side.
Getty Images / Anadolu Agency
(source Caters News Agency)
That’s way better than the Nike symbol my brother and his friends all got on the back of their bowl cuts in middle school. For more on the festival, read this firsthand account by Anas Hamdani for Dawn.
