Manabasa Gurubara Dampens ‘Chhadakhai’ Spirit In Odisha
In Bhubaneswar, the festive occasion of ‘Chhadakhai’, marking the end of a month-long abstinence from non-vegetarian food during the sacred Kartika month, witnessed a subdued atmosphere this year. The event coincided with Thursday, a day on which many refrain from consuming fish or meat due to religious observances.
As a result, markets across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack appeared unusually quiet, resembling the calm seen during the Panchuka period—the final days of Kartika, known for strict vegetarian practices. Vendors reported lower sales but remained hopeful for improvement in the coming weekend.
“There has been a dip in business since ‘Chhadakhai’ fell on the first Thursday of Margashirsha when people observe Manabasa Gurubar. The price of one kg of fish is Rs 180 and it will rise to Rs 200–220 tomorrow when we expect better business,”
said a local vendor while glancing through his mobile phone. Normally, the day brings high demand and soaring prices for non-vegetarian dishes as people indulge after a month of restraint.
Last year, markets in the twin cities recorded business exceeding Rs 6 crore during ‘Chhadakhai’, which was celebrated a day later since it coincided with Saturday and Sankranti. To cater to the surge in demand, vendors sourced fish, chicken, and mutton from different regions across Odisha, as well as from Andhra Pradesh and Kolkata.
Author’s Summary
‘Chhadakhai’ celebrations in Odisha were muted this year due to religious observance on Thursday, but vendors expect a surge in business over the next few days as demand rebounds.