Mission Delhi - Bhoora the Goat, Old Delhi

Mission Delhi – Bhoora the Goat, Old Delhi

Mission Delhi - Bhoora the Goat, Old Delhi

One of the one percent in 13 million.

[Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi]

Downing a cold drink is Bhoora’s own way of dealing with the scorching heat in this Old Delhi alley.

As a goat, he’s certainly gotten lucky. His friendly owner is a local grocer known for acts of individual kindness. Razeeruddin will readily extend credit to regular customers, while the goat is even more fortunate. Bhoora gets the cola for free, “and I also feed him chaach (butter milk).”

But of course Bhoora is a member of the family, ever since Razeeruddin purchased him eight months ago for Rs 13,500. “We got him home in the three-wheeler, and Bhoora was so small I could wrap him in my handkerchief….”

Now about the size of a leopard, Bhoora is much loved and very, very friendly. He’s stationed in the grocery itself, here in Pahari Rajaan, making himself smilingly known to customers. “He’ll stand close to shoppers, gazing at them with a smiling face,” says Razeeruddin. He’s loved in the household, as well, eating the family’s fare along with gular leaves.

But there’s been a big problem. Bhoora was originally acquired to be offered as a sacrifice for the Bakr-Eid festival in August. The grocer first tries to shift this conversation, pointing out that Bhoora’s teeth came out just a week ago. But then he returns to the big question.

“Oh, we love him too much now. We’ll not sacrifice him.”

[This is the 207th portrait of Mission Delhi project]

Goat’s cola

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Mission Delhi - Bhoora the Goat, Old Delhi

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Mission Delhi - Bhoora the Goat, Old Delhi

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Mission Delhi - Bhoora the Goat, Old Delhi