Pune: Non-vegetarian food lovers celebrated Ashadh month-end with grand feasts on Sunday (August 4), consuming thousands of kilograms of mutton, fish, and chicken.

Markets in Pune, Mumbai, and Thane witnessed heavy crowds as people flocked to buy these items in preparation for the day.

With the end of the Ashadh month on August 4th and the beginning of the Shravan month on August 5th, non-vegetarian food is traditionally avoided during Shravan.

This led to a massive rush for mutton, fish, and chicken as enthusiasts indulged in their last feast before the abstinence period. Many invited friends and family over for celebratory gatherings.

Ganesh Peth fish market saw high demand for Pomfret, Surmai, fresh Bombay duck, prawns, and halwa fish. Prices were notably high for Pomfret and Surmai.

According to fish trader Thakur Pardeshi, a variety of fish including deep-sea, creek, and river fish were available.

Chicken demand also surged, particularly from hotel businesses, as mentioned by Rupesh Pardeshi, Director of the Pune City Broiler Association.

Current Prices:

• Mutton: ₹740/kg

• Chicken: ₹260/kg

• Pomfret: ₹1000-1500/kg

• Surmai: ₹900-1000/kg

• Prawns: ₹300-500/kg

• Fresh Bombay Duck: ₹300-400/kg

Prabhakar Kamble, President, Pune City Mutton Shopkeepers Association stated, "Due to the rain, there was no rush for buying mutton in the morning. Many people celebrated Gatari by dining out with their families at hotels. There was a significant increase in mutton demand from hotel businesses."

Due to continuous rain throughout Sunday morning and afternoon, the market saw fewer buyers in the morning. The rain decreased in the afternoon, leading to a rush for mutton, fish, and chicken purchases. Many had planned to celebrate Gatari at tourist spots, but their plans were dampened by the rain.