Badin:
One of the oldest and largest donkey markets in Pakistan opened its annual rate in Tando Ghulam Ali, attracting large crowds and colorful animals throughout the country.
Donkeys and height mules with unique names such as Rocket, Missile, Kalashnikov, Modi, Kashmala, Sharmeela, Sheeri, Madhuri, Sheila, Heer Ranjha and Yahoo became the center of attention. This unique donkey market held on Muharram 11 in Badin attracted lovers of donkeys and buyers of all Pakistan. The donkeys and mules brought to the market were beautifully decorated and adorned with colorful clothes, garlands, flowers and other ornaments. To increase interest among visitors, donkey races were also organized. However, despite the great participation and cultural importance of the event, local municipal authorities did not provide basic facilities. The lack of clean drinking water, bathrooms, proper sanitation and waiting areas caused many buyers.
According to elderly residents, this market began even before the creation of Pakistan. At that time, due to the lack of roads and transport, the people of distant villages attended Muharram processions using donkeys and donkey cars. Over time, this informal meeting became a complete market.
The importance of this market grew further during the Soviet-Affgan war in the 1980s, when donkeys and mules were smuggled to Afghanistan. These animals played a vital role not only in the delivery of ration supplies, but also in the transport of weapons through difficult land.
A buyer for a long time recalled how these donkeys and mules would cross mountainous roads to deliver supplies to their destinations.
In the modern era of the pills and bicycles of loaders, this donkey market remains a vital part of Badin’s cultural heritage.
