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M Atif Ismail
MULTAN, Jun 04 (APP):For many children especially in urban areas,Eid ul Azha is more than just a religious event as it is a time of pure joy, new friendships and special bonds formed with the animals brought home for sacrifice.
These few days become magical in urban homes where children get rare chances to interact so closely with animals.
Osaid(12) and his younger brother Obaid(10) from Vehari,experienced this joy when their father brought home a goat and a sheep in preparation for Eid ul Azha.As soon as the animals arrived,the house was filled with laughter, noise, and excitement. Both boys rushed to the courtyard,circling the animals with wide smiles.
“This one is mine!” said Obaid, pointing at the goat,while Osaid proudly took charge of the sheep. From that moment on, the boys were rarely seen without their animals. Whether it was feeding time, bathing time, or just sitting beside them and talking, the bond grew stronger each day.
“They treat them like friends,” said their mother.“Osaid even made a shade with an old bedsheet to protect the sheep from the sun. And Obaid keeps checking if the goat has enough water.”
Such scenes are common in many homes during the days leading up to Eid ul Azha. Children across the region suddenly take on a new sense of responsibility. They wake up early to check on their animals and often delay meals or playtime to ensure their new friends are comfortable.
These moments are filled with innocence and happiness.The children give the animals nicknames,decorate them with ribbons and bells, and proudly show them off to friends and neighbors.Osaid recently invited his classmates over to see the sheep,while Obaid took pictures of the goat and sent them to his cousins.
In urban areas like Multan,where many children rarely see animals outside of screens or books,this becomes a once-a-year chance to connect with nature.It is also a quiet teacher who teaches values like care,kindness and sacrifice.
Parents often find these days valuable too.Children leave mobile phones aside and focus on real-life care,learning empathy in the process. Siblings often work together as one brings grass, the other water, thus strengthening their own bond through shared responsibility.
For children like Osaid and Obaid, Eid ul Azha is not just about rituals. It is about the friendship they form with animals, the love they show, and the memories they build.