Salman for Rs 1.85 Lakh, Shah Rukh for Rs 1.25 Lakh: Aurangzeb-Era Fair’s Celebrity Bulls
In Maharashtra’s Beed district, a 400-year-old cattle fair is turning bulls into superstars—with names like Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan fetching jaw-dropping prices. At the iconic Barsi Cattle Fair, established during Aurangzeb’s reign, prized bovines are auctioned for up to Rs 1.85 lakh, rivaling their Bollywood namesakes’ stardom.
A Fair Rooted in Mughal-Era Legacy
Dating back to the 17th century, the Barsi Cattle Fair began as a trading hub for camels, horses, and cattle under Mughal rule. Today, it’s a vibrant blend of tradition and pop culture, where farmers use Bollywood star power to boost bids.
Why Name Bulls After Celebrities?
- Marketing Magic: Names like “Salman” or “Dhoni” spark curiosity.
- Higher Bids: A bull named “Shah Rukh” sold for Rs 1.25 lakh in 2024.
- Cultural Connect: Farmers humorously link bovine traits to stars—e.g., “Salman” for strength, “SRK” for grace.
Top “Celebrity Bulls” & Their Prices
| Bull Name | Price (2024) | Named After |
|————|————–|————-|
| Salman | Rs 1.85 lakh | Salman Khan |
| Shah Rukh | Rs 1.25 lakh | Shah Rukh Khan |
| Dhoni | Rs 95,000 | MS Dhoni |
“Buyers pay more for a ‘Salman’—it’s like owning a piece of stardom!” — Rajendra Patil, Cattle Trader
What Makes a Bull a ‘Superstar’?
Farmers select names based on:
✅ Strength & Stamina (Key for fieldwork)
✅ Pedigree (Purebred bulls cost more)
✅ Looks (Shiny coat, muscular build)
“My bull ‘Tiger’ sold for Rs 1.1 lakh—just like Salman’s movies, looks matter!” — Vikas More, Farmer
Economic Lifeline for Farmers
- Average bull price: Rs 30,000–70,000
- Sales fund seeds, equipment, and loans for small farmers.
A Cultural Spectacle
Beyond auctions, the fair features:
🎪 Folk dances
🍲 Local food stalls
🧵 Handicraft markets
Why the Barsi Fair Still Thrives
In an age of climate crises and farm debt, this event:
🌱 Preserves heritage
💡 Innovates (e.g., celebrity names)
💰 Supports rural economies
Final Thought: Next time “Salman” trends in Maharashtra, it might be a bull, not a blockbuster!
— Reported by NextMinuteNews
