Pune: Holi Celebrations Marked by High Demand for Mutton, Fish, and Chicken
Pune, 14th March 2025: As part of the Dhulwad (Holi) celebrations, food lovers across Pune thronged markets to buy mutton, fish, and chicken, continuing the tradition of relishing non-vegetarian delicacies after Holi.
While puranpoli remains the staple for Holi, the day after—Dhulwad—sees many households preparing meat-based dishes and hosting relatives and friends for festive meals. Since early Friday morning, markets witnessed heavy footfall as both domestic customers and hoteliers lined up to purchase fresh meat and seafood.
According to Prabhakar Kamble, President of the Pune City Mutton Shopkeepers’ Association, there was a strong demand for mutton from both restaurant owners and households. Similarly, Rupesh Pardeshi, Director of the Pune-Pimpri Chinchwad Boiler Association, reported a rise in chicken sales.
The city’s major fish markets, including Ganesh Peth, Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Market in Lashkar, Kasba Peth, Paud Road, Padmavati, and Vishrantwadi, were bustling with shoppers eager to buy fresh seafood.
Surge in Fish Supply and Prices
On Friday, 12 to 15 tonnes of deep-sea fish arrived at the Ganesh Peth fish market, along with 15 to 20 tonnes of Rahu, Katla, and Silan from Andhra Pradesh, 700 to 800 kg of river fish, and 400 to 500 kg of bay fish. Thakur Pardeshi, a trader at the Ganesh Peth market, stated that the prices of premium seafood like paplet, ravas, halwa, surmai, ole bombil, and shrimp have seen an upward trend.
Current Prices of Mutton, Fish, and Chicken (per kg)
Mutton: ₹780
Chicken: ₹220
Paplet: ₹1,000 – ₹1,800
Halwa: ₹650 – ₹800
Ravas: ₹700 – ₹900
Surmai: ₹500 – ₹800
Crawfish: ₹240 – ₹700
Ole Bombil: ₹300
With Dhulwad celebrations in full swing, Pune’s markets saw brisk business, reinforcing the deep-rooted culinary traditions associated with the festival.
