Vijayawada: The arrival of the month of Kartika has led to a significant drop sale of non-vegetarian food across Vijayawada. As a result of this, prices of chicken, mutton and fish have dropped.
Considered an auspicious month dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kartika is observed with rituals that include a strict avoidance of non-vegetarian foods by many families in the region. This tradition has cast a visible effect on the city’s non-veg markets.
In Oct, chicken prices peaked at 275/ kg but dropped to 230/kg by Sunday. Katla fish, once sold at 250/ kg, is now being sold for 150/kg. Many non-veg markets in the city saw limited customer turnout over the weekend, with some even choosing to close.
“We usually experience a drop in sales during Kartika, but this year was particularly challenging,” said a wholesale prawn trader at Governorpet’s Mahanti Market, adding, “We’re having to lower prices as large quantities of prawns are arriving in markets all at once.”
Meanwhile, the price drops have become a silver lining for meat lovers, who are benefiting from the lower costs to indulge in their favourite foods. However, several restaurants in Vijayawada are offering customers special discounts on non-veg dishes to keep the business steady during this low-demand period.Simultaneously, the prices of vegetables are beginning to ease.
