Khagrachari June 11,(V7N)- Only a few days are left until Eid al-Adha. The preparations for Qurbani (sacrificial rituals) are in full swing, and the blacksmiths are busier than ever. While affluent families are occupied with purchasing sacrificial animals, the blacksmiths are equally busy crafting and sharpening knives, cleavers, and other tools necessary for the sacrifice.
 
The blacksmiths’ busy period begins 10-15 days before Eid and continues until the night before Eid. A visit to several blacksmith shops in the suburban areas of Khagrachari district revealed a significant increase in their workload compared to usual. For most of the year, they endure idle times.
 
Blacksmith shop owners and workers eagerly await Eid al-Adha to offset the expenses of shop rent, materials, and other costs. Throughout the rest of the year, they survive on very low incomes. Some try to keep themselves occupied during off-peak times by selling wholesale goods.
 
Apart from Eid al-Adha, they earn some income during the rice harvesting season by making and sharpening sickles.
 
Shop owners reported that the Eid season has drastically increased their workload. Previously, they would leisurely open their shops at 10 AM and close early in the evening. However, during Eid, their work starts at 8 AM and continues until midnight. On the night before Eid, they often work throughout the night. This season brings a substantial income boost for most of them.
 
It has been found that during the Eid season, their income ranges from TK 20,000 to 35,000, with daily earnings between TK 2,000 to 4,000. Some might earn more or less than this amount.
 
Customers are charged TK 30-50 for sharpening small and large knives. Some blacksmiths charge between TK 50-100. Buying a new cleaver costs between TK 300-500.
 
Similarly, customers spend an equivalent amount on new knives. Blacksmiths are cautious about not increasing prices during the Eid season. They charge based on the work required and do not raise prices arbitrarily.
 
Most blacksmith shops are seen with iron tools neatly arranged. Many customers bring their own metal to make knives and cleavers, while others purchase ready-made tools. The demand for knives and cleavers exists year-round.
 
Just before Eid, the sale of knives and cleavers increases, and various other tools like large knives and machetes are in high demand. These items, which don’t sell much throughout the year, are sold at lower prices during this time.
 
The demand for the blacksmith profession is declining day by day, with fewer new blacksmiths entering the field. The profession is losing importance due to the lack of sales throughout the year and limited seasonal business profits.
 
Previously, a bag of coal cost TK 100, but now it costs TK 2,200 per bag, even though wages have also increased accordingly.
 
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