Bhubaneswar, Nov 8: After weeks of quiet during the Kartika month, meat markets in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar came alive on Friday as people celebrated Chhadakhai, marking the end of their month-long abstinence from non-vegetarian food.

The celebration, which follows the conclusion of Panchuka on Wednesday, saw markets in both cities witness a combined business of over Rs 4 crore.

While Kartika Purnima on Wednesday signaled the end of the abstinence period, Chhadakhai was celebrated on Friday, with people refraining from consuming non-veg food on Thursday. From early morning, large crowds were seen flocking to local markets to purchase a wide range of non-vegetarian items such as fish, crab, chicken, and mutton.

Vendors, expecting a surge in demand, raised prices on various non-vegetarian products compared to usual days. Despite the hike, customers were eager to indulge in their long-awaited feast. Sk Muntaqeem Buksh, president of the All Odisha Non-Veg Traders’ Federation, reported that the Bhubaneswar markets alone saw sales of Rs 4.1 crore, while Cuttack’s vendors made approximately Rs 3 crore in sales on the day.

Prices varied depending on the product. Mutton was priced between Rs 800 and Rs 850 per kg, while desi chicken sold at Rs 550 to Rs 600 per kg. Fish prices ranged from Rs 200 to Rs 2,000, with Hilsa being the most expensive, priced at Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,000 per kg. Eggs were priced at Rs 7.5 per piece, while desi eggs were available at Rs 15 per piece.

The Federation represents over 4,000 vendors, with around 500 selling mutton, 1,500 selling chicken, and 2,000 selling fish. Buksh noted that sales of mutton, chicken, and fish on Friday were three times higher than normal days.

To meet the high demand, vendors sourced their supplies from various locations across the state, as well as from neighboring Andhra Pradesh and Kolkata. Fish came from Chilika, Paradip, and Andhra Pradesh, while chicken was sourced from Puri, Cuttack, Khordha, Pipili, and Baripada. Mutton was brought in from Bolangir, Baripada, Nayagarh, and Kolkata.

With high demand expected to continue, vendors are optimistic about further business over the weekend.