Pune Markets Thrived on Gatari Amavasya: Foodies Flock for ‘Last’ Non-Veg Feast Before Shravan

Pune, 4th August 2024: Today is the last day of Ashadha Month, known as ‘Deep Amavasya’ or ‘Gatari Amavasya’. Today, many people in Maharashtra enjoy non-vegetarian food, including mutton, chicken, and fish. Food enthusiasts crowded the markets of Pune, Mumbai, and Thane to buy these items. Ashadha month ends today, and the month of Shravan will begin tomorrow, Monday, 5th August.

Non-vegetarian foods are considered taboo during the Shravan month. Many people refrain from consuming non-vegetarian foods until after the Navratri festival, which is more than two and a half months later. Since non-vegetarian food is prohibited for the next two and a half months, foodies indulged in chicken, mutton, and fish today. Queues formed in front of shops since morning to buy these items today. Many invited relatives and friends to their homes for an ‘Akhaad Party’.

The fish market in Ganesh Peth has been crowded with shoppers since morning. There was high demand for Pomfret, Bombay Duck (bombil), Surmai, Prawns, and Halwa Fish. Pomfret and Surmai prices were booming. Thakur Pardeshi, a trader in the fish market, mentioned that deep-sea fish, Gulf fish, Rohu, Catla, Ceylon fish, and river fish from Andhra Pradesh arrived in the fish market today. Rupesh Pardeshi, director of the Pune Broiler Traders Associations, said there has been a significant increase in the demand for chicken from hoteliers.

Kilo Rates of Mutton, Fish, and Chicken:

– Mutton: 740 rupees
– Chicken: 260 rupees
– Pomfret: 1000 to 1500 rupees
– Surmai: 900 to 1000 rupees
– Shrimp: 300 to 500 rupees
– Bombil: 300 to 400 rupees

Prabhakar Kamble, President of the Pune City Mutton Shopkeepers Association, said, “Due to the rain, there was no rush to buy mutton in the morning. Many people celebrate Gatari by going to hotels with their families. There has been a huge increase in the demand for mutton from hoteliers.”

As it rained all day today, there was less shopping in the market in the morning. The rain eased in the afternoon. After that, there was a rush in the market to buy mutton, fish, and chicken. Many had planned to go to tourist spots to celebrate Gatari; however, due to the rain, their plans were ruined.