Holi rush: Crowds flood non-veg markets across Odisha

Odisha witnessed a significant surge in shoppers at meat markets on Wednesday on the occasion of Holi. Meat lovers thronged the markets, waiting in long queues for hours to buy their preferred items. The festive demand has kept traders busy, bringing a variety of products to cater to the crowd.

Shoppers were seen lining up at Unit 4 meat market, one of the popular trading hubs in Bhubaneswar. With Holi falling midweek, both demand and prices have seen an uptick, reflecting the seasonal rush for fresh mutton, chicken, fish, and seafood.

High Demand for Mutton and Poultry

At the Unit 4 market, mutton is being sold at Rs 800 per kilogram, while chicken is available at Rs 300. The surge in festive demand has prompted traders to stock up on other seafood as well. Hilsa is priced between Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,500 per kg, prawns between Rs 480 and Rs 800, and crabs range from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,600.

Traders Cater to Diverse Tastes

Local vendors have ensured that a variety of fish, prawns, and crabs are available to meet the preferences of the growing customer base. The festive rush has created a lively market atmosphere, with shoppers and traders both bracing for long hours of activity.

Shoppers Share Their Views

Many shoppers expressed excitement about the availability of fresh meat for Holi celebrations, though some noted that the prices were higher than usual. 'We are happy that fresh mutton and seafood are available, but we had to wait a long time in queues,' said one customer. Others appreciated the variety, saying the market offered everything needed for the festive feast.