Bhubaneswar: The fish markets across Odisha have witnessed a huge rush of customers on the occasion of Chadkhai on Tuesday. People were seen crowding at various non-veg shops to buy Mutton, chicken, prawns, crabs, and different types of fish.
Chadakhai is the day for the foodies and Habishyalis to indulge themselves in some non-vegetarian ‘sin’.
Usually it’s the next day after the full moon day. But after a month of conditional eating the feast goes on for a week. There is a flood of delicacies. I do not follow this religiously and enjoy anything on my way like fish, chicken, mutton, crab etc.
The day marks the end of the holy Kartik Masa and signals the beginning of the winter culinary fiesta.
Chada khai meaning the big feast after the whole one month of conditional food habbits. In this particular day everyone consumes eating non-veg and cooked food is also sent to other houses as a part of the celebration.
According to history, the ritual began with the Bali Jatra festivity. As per the old Spice Route records, it is said that it was around the time (mid-November) when the winds changed directions – and the sailors, fishermen and traders get ready to set sail. The farewell of the traders and sailors would be celebrated with a big feast that constituted of the best of fish, crab, prawn and even meat in the coastal areas of Odisha. Incidentally, the day fell around mid-November, a time when the meat was better and the fish would move towards the coast. That period today is marked by Chhadakhai. Since then, many historians believe, the tradition of Chhadakhai began – not only as a festival of indulgence, but also as a mark the beginning of winters – sheeta rutu.
The prices of the non-veg in the markets are as follows:
Mutton is priced at 800 per Kilo.
Chicken is being sold at 220 per Kilo.
Rohi and Bhakur fish are sold at 200 per Kilo.
Pomfret is selling at Rs 800 per Kilo.
Hilsa (Ilisi) is priced at 1500 per Kilo.
Shrimp/ prawn is priced at 400 per Kilo.
Bhekti is priced at 500 per Kilo.
However, the falling of Chadakhai on a Tuesday seems to have somewhat dampened the fervour. The fish vendors have stated that they have seen less footfall in the market than expected as today is Tuesday.
