Bhubaneswar: ‘Chhadakhai’, which marks the end of a month-long abstinence from non-vegetarian food during the holy month of Kartika, remained a damp squib in Odisha as it coincided with Thursday when people refrain from consuming fish and meat.
The markets in the twin cities continued to wear a deserted look on Thursday similar to the period of Panchuka (the final days of Kartika month that is observed with strict absenteeism).
The vendors are expecting to make up for the loss during the subsequent three days. “There has been a dip in business since ‘Chhadakhai’ fell on the first Thursday of the month of Margashirsha and people are observing Manamaba Gurubar. The price of one kg of fish is Rs 180 and it will go up to Rs 200-220 tomorrow when we expect a brisk business,” said a vendor while scrolling through his mobile.
The price of non-vegetarian items usually soars on ‘Chhadakhai’ with people eager to indulge. Markets in both Cuttack and Bhubaneswar saw a combined business of over Rs 6 crore during ‘Chhadakhai’ last year, which was also celebrated a day later since it fell on Saturday and Sankranti.
To meet the excess demand for Chhadakhai, the vendors also procure fish, chicken and mutton from different places across the state and Andhra Pradesh and Kolkata.
