Least of all, concerns related to their falling numbers. But take the old dusty road down to Vautha village, bang in the centre of Gujarat, where Ahmedabad district brushes against the borders of Kheda, and what strikes you with a sudden pathos is the sense of a species-level crisis, of how close another familiar animal figure is to leaving behind an ecological void.
Vautha hosts an annual mela that’s like a national trade fair for donkeys. But Mahendrasinh Mandora, former sarpanch of Vautha, expresses uncertainty about the event’s future. Ever since the Vautha Lok Melo commenced six decades ago, it has traditionally attracted over 20,000 donkeys from Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and all over Gujarat. But the numbers have been declining sharply: this year, it notched up less than 4,000. Even that was a slight dip over last year. This matches the alarming decline in overall population, nationally and in Gujarat. According to the last livestock census, the state’s donkey population plummeted by 71 percent from 38,993 in 2012 to 11,291 in 2019. Nationally, the decline stands at 62 percent, from 320,000 in 2012 to 120,000 in 2019.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FINGER CLICKING GOOD
Finally there’s a Smartphone that’s fit to fire your DSLR
RAISING THE BAR
In the dynamic world of mixology, where every drink tells a story and every pour is a masterpiece, a new chapter is being concocted by some of the bars. Here are eight bars that stirred up a riot.
TRUE BLUE
BLUE MAY BE a colour traditionally associated with all things royal, but when it comes to haute horology, especially Breguet, the hue lends its own cues.
DELICIOUS DINING WITH A SIDE OF LUSCIOUS VIEWS
Bonita, a quietly charming restaurant in Goa’s Arossim brims with flavour and a stunning landscape to boot.
A YEAR OF WONDER
Globetrotting to some of the more interesting travel options that spiced the calendar year
THE TASTE TEST - Some of the more interesting restaurants launched in Asia in 2024
In the dynamic culinary landscape of Asia, Spice embarks on a gastronomic journey through a kaleidoscope of noteworthy dining spots that shone through in 2024. From cosy havens celebrating rich cultural heritage using quality local ingredients to chic spaces blending global influences with a playful vibe, each venue offers something special, whether by the beach or beneath starry skies.
TECH TALK
From a Mac that became mini to gizmoheavy watches, from smart air purifiers to intelligent TVs, these top picks defined 2024.
BOOKS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2025
Book review
PEACE ABOVE ALL
Devdutt Pattanaik offers an alternative view of the Harappan civilisation in his newest book, Ahimsa: 100 Reflections on the Harappan Civilization
A Wealth of SCHOLARSHIP
For art historian Aman Nath, 2024 was a great year for art books, demonstrating the range of India's cultural wealth