The sacred month of Kartika, known in Odisha for fasting, devotion, and strict vegetarian practices, came to a close this week. Traditionally, the end of this holy period is marked by Chhadakhai, a day of indulgence when people resume eating non-vegetarian food after a month of abstinence.
During this time, meat and fish markets usually spring back to life, drawing huge crowds after weeks of low sales. The air fills with the aroma of fresh seafood, poultry, and mutton, and traders often report record-breaking business.
Chhadakhai Falls on a Thursday This Year
However, this year’s Chhadakhai coincides with a Thursday—a day that many in Odisha consider inauspicious for consuming meat or fish. This rare overlap has significantly dampened the festive spirit among non-vegetarian food lovers.
“Usually, Chhadakhai brings record sales every year. But since it falls on a Thursday, we’re expecting a 20–30% dip in business,” said a trader from the Unit-IV Market in Bhubaneswar.
In 2024, the combined meat and fish sales in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack reportedly exceeded ₹8 crore, with long queues forming at poultry and seafood shops from early morning. Prices of chicken, mutton, and prawns had spiked due to soaring demand.
Traders Hope for a Friday Rebound
This year, though, the excitement has noticeably waned. Many people are planning to celebrate Chhadakhai on Friday instead, to maintain the festive mood while respecting Thursday’s religious sentiments.
“We hope Friday and the weekend will make up for today’s slow business,” another trader shared, expressing cautious optimism.
Despite a quieter start, vendors expect sales to pick up in the coming days as families plan delayed feasts and gatherings. For now, Odisha’s bustling non-veg markets are bracing for a slower Chadakhai Thursday, awaiting a livelier weekend revival.
