Assam: Opening Of Retail Fish Store By Parimal Suklabaidya In Rupnagar

GUWAHATI: On the occasion of Magh Bihu, Assam's Minister of Fisheries, Parimal Suklabaidya, opened the FISHFED retail fish outlet in Rupnagar, Guwahati, on Saturday.

The minister declared during the opening of the retail establishment that there is an abundance of fish coming from outside markets. He exhorted people to purchase regional fish.

"Inaugurated the retail fish selling outlet of FISHFED today in Rupnagar, Guwahati on the occasion of Magh Bihu. Cooperative societies registered under FISHFED will be selling fish this time across Assam," a tweet read by the minister.

"Our department is committed to boost local fish production & we are moving aggressively in this path under the guidance of HCM @himantabiswa," the minister added.

Markets are busy with people purchasing fish and meat in preparation for the day of feasting known as "uruka."

Assamese people have a custom of purchasing fish for uruka, and marketplaces are crowded with a wide variety of fish priced from Rs. 400–500 to as much as Rs. 35,000–40,000.

Fish like Chital, Barali, and Bhokua cost between Rs. 600 and Rs. 36,000 in the Uzan Bazar fish market.

Additionally, compared to other markets, Fishfed in Rupnagar will be selling fish at a 20% discount. At Rupnagar Fishfed, 2500 kg of locally produced fish have been hauled in. 5000 kg of fish from the fishfed will be sold in the markets.

The Assamese celebrate the harvest festival known as Magh or Bhogali Bihu in the month of Magh, which falls in the middle of January. Following the yearly harvest, it is observed with communal feasts.

Uruka, or the night of feasts, is the night preceding Magh Bihu.

People construct bhelaghars on the rice fields, cook a variety of dishes within the bhelaghar, and set up the feasting there. In order to celebrate the occasion, pithas and laroos are manufactured around the state.

The bhelaghars are typically created in the rural, but today individuals also make them in the cities and sell them ready-made in the market.

Also read: Assam Prepares To Celebrate Bhogali Bihu, Fish Markets Crowded With Shoppers

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