In a recent report by Sun News, the outlet claimed that the price of goats has surged in the Tiruppuvanam Livestock Market ahead of Maha Shivaratri, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the report, a 10-kg kid (baby goat) is now selling for ₹13,000, while a 20-kg kid is priced at ₹23,000, a sharp increase from the previous rate of ₹7,000. However, this report has been met with widespread criticism for its blatant misinformation and lack of understanding of Hindu traditions.
#NewsUpdate | மகா சிவராத்திரியை முன்னிட்டு ஆடுகளின் விலை கிடுகிடு உயர்வு!#SunNews | #MahaShivaratri | #Sivaganga pic.twitter.com/tEXA2x1rwi
— Sun News (@sunnewstamil) February 25, 2025
Maha Shivaratri And Goats: A Baseless Connection
Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival observed with fasting, night-long vigils, and prayers to Lord Shiva. It is a day of spiritual significance, marked by fasting, let alone consuming non-vegetarian food and other indulgences.
Contrary to Sun News’ claims, goats have no religious or cultural association with Maha Shivaratri. The festival emphasizes devotion making the report’s attempt to link goat prices to Shivaratri not only misleading but also factually incorrect.
Ramzan And Goat Consumption: A Valid Connection
In stark contrast, it is noteworthy that the Islamic festival of Ramzan is just around the corner, beginning on the last day of February this year. Given that Ramzan delicacies such as Haleem and other stews are predominantly prepared during the festival, goats play an integral role in these culinary traditions. It would have been more logical and accurate for the report to highlight this connection, rather than fabricating an unlikely link between goat prices and Maha Shivaratri. However, Sun News seemed to purposefully bring in an unlikely connection between a Hindu festival and goat prices! During festivals like Ramzan goat/sheep sales traditionally increase. This is a valid observation, as the consumption of goat and sheep meat is common during Ramzan. The report’s lack of understanding of this connection highlights its selective and biased approach to reporting.
The report appears to be an attempt to create unnecessary controversy or sensationalize unconnected things just for controversy while purposefully ignoring the actual cultural and religious contexts of the festival.
The Sun News report is a glaring example of how Dravidianist media outlets continue to mislead the public by wantonly ignoring facts and cultural sensitivities. While the rise in goat prices ahead of Ramadan is a legitimate economic trend, the attempt to falsely connect it to Maha Shivaratri is both inaccurate and disrespectful to Hindus.
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