Odisha relishes non-veg food on Chhada Khai

Bhubaneswar: As the auspicious Hindu month of Kartik came to an end yesterday, beelines were seen at fish, chicken and mutton markets across Odisha today as people geared up to relish non-vegetarian foods on the occasion of Chhada Khai today, after a month-long abstinence from non-veg foods.

In order to meet surplus demand, shopkeepers of Unit-4 market here have ordered mutton from Kolkata besides Udala, Jashipur, Soro and Baghamari. Similarly, they have ordered more chicken from Digha in West Bengal even as Pipili and nearby areas meet 80 per cent of the chicken requirements.

“Chhada Khai this year has fallen on Sunday. It is a perfect occasion to enjoy non-veg foods with family and friends. Though the prices are bit higher in comparison to those of normal days, people will still go for it,” said Pratap Swain, a resident of Bhubaneswar.

“Several types of fish are available today in market in view of Chhada Khai. However, the sale is not so encouraging as people are more interested in consuming chicken and mutton,” a shopkeeper of Rasulgarh fish market said.