Buffalo worth ₹21 crore dies at Pushkar Fair, viral video fuels outrage over animal cruelty

A prized buffalo valued at an astonishing ₹21 crore died suddenly at the famed Pushkar Animal Fair in Rajasthan on October 31, triggering widespread anger and debate over animal cruelty and commercial exploitation.

The animal, one of the fair’s star attractions, had drawn huge crowds every day owing to its record-breaking valuation and sheer size. According to reports, it was brought to Pushkar with elaborate arrangements for safety and comfort. But the spectacle turned tragic when the buffalo’s health deteriorated abruptly, and despite frantic efforts by veterinary experts, it could not be revived.

Officials from the Animal Husbandry Department confirmed that a team of veterinarians rushed to the site after receiving distress calls, but the animal’s massive body weight and rapidly worsening condition made survival impossible.

A video from the venue—showing the lifeless buffalo surrounded by caretakers and stunned visitors—has since gone viral, fuelling outrage across social media.

Many users condemned what they called “cruelty in the name of business.” Actor Sneha Ullal wrote, “Induce more hormones, induce more antibiotics and growth hormones. Go against nature and call it natural. Sick, sick, sick humans.” Another user alleged foul play, suggesting the buffalo might have been poisoned for insurance claims.

The incident has reignited discussions around the ethics of animal trade and the conditions under which high-value livestock are exhibited.

The Pushkar Animal Fair, one of the world’s largest camel and livestock gatherings, draws thousands of traders, tourists, and performers each year. While celebrated for its cultural vibrancy—featuring camel races, folk music, and Rajasthani crafts—the fair has increasingly faced scrutiny over the treatment of animals paraded for commercial gain.

The death of the ₹21-crore buffalo, once hailed as a symbol of prosperity, has instead become a grim reminder of how the pursuit of profit can push living beings past their natural limits.