Pune: Food lovers in Pune celebrated Dhulivandan with a feast of mutton, chicken, and seafood, leading to a significant surge in demand across markets. From early morning till evening on March 14, long queues were seen outside mutton and fish shops across the city.
While Holi is traditionally marked by Puran Poli, the next day, Dhulivandan, is widely associated with non-vegetarian delicacies. Families invite friends and relatives for special mutton and fish preparations, which drove heavy sales in Pune’s meat and seafood markets.
High Demand Across Markets
According to Prabhakar Kamble, President of the Pune Mutton Shop Owners Association, there was strong demand for mutton from both hoteliers and households. Likewise, Rupesh Pardeshi, Director of the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Boiler Association, confirmed a sharp rise in chicken sales.
Prominent fish markets, including Ganesh Peth, Chhatrapati Shivaji Market in Cantonment, Kasba Peth, Paud Road, Padmavati, and Vishrantwadi, witnessed huge crowds of buyers.
At Ganesh Peth Fish Market, traders reported large inflows of seafood:
12 to 15 tons of deep-sea fish
15 to 20 tons of Rohu, Katla, and Seelan fish from Andhra Pradesh
700 to 800 kg of river fish
400 to 500 kg of estuarine fish
Steep Prices for Popular Fish Varieties
Due to the high demand, certain fish varieties were sold at premium prices, as reported by trader Thakur Pardeshi.
Market Prices Per Kilogram
Mutton – ₹780
Chicken – ₹220
Pomfret – ₹1,000 to ₹1,800
Halwa – ₹650 to ₹800
Rawas – ₹700 to ₹900
Surmai – ₹500 to ₹800
Prawns – ₹240 to ₹700
Fresh Bombay Duck – ₹300