Barbers In Pakistan Are Giving Beautiful Haircuts To Camels

Owners believe that special patterns increase the camels' value at the cattle market.

The cattle market in Pakistani city of Karachi is said to be Asia's biggest, where thousands of people travel to purchase animals that are specially decorated, giving them an exquisite look.

This year, some barbers are creating stylish designs on the coats of camels, using just a pair of scissors.

Owners believe that these impressive patterns increase the camels' value at the market, especially when people buy camels during the Muslim festival Eid-al-Adha.

These photos were taken by Anas Hamdani, 24, who works with an audit firm in Karachi.

Hamdani told Caters News: "I knew about this art form but only happened to witness it for the first time when I joined my family to buy a camel this year. It was a breath-taking experience. The unique designs created by patient artists were absolutely amazing."

“A trader told me that buyers prefer to look for the most beautiful amongst them so they seek services of camel barbers."

Ali Hassan, a farmer from a nearby village, who also moonlights as a camel barber during the peak time, told Caters News: "I learned the art of camel hair designing from my forefathers. Every year I visit Karachi a few weeks before Eid-ul-Adha in a bid to get a reward for my art work. I charge two to three thousand rupees (£13-18) for one camel."

"It takes about four hours to complete one side of the camel haircut depending on the size and colour of the camel," Ali told Caters News.

Ali says he knows more than 15 types of "haircut" designs.

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