Vijayawada: The city witnessed an unprecedented rush at meat shops on Wednesday as Gandhi Jayanti coincided with the ongoing Dasara festivities. With October 2 observed as non-violence day, the district administration ordered the closure of non-vegetarian markets and liquor shops. This sparked massive sales across the city on Wednesday.Mahanti Market at Governorpet and One Town Fish markets reported brisk business throughout the day, with several families conducting customary animal sacrifices a day earlier on the occasion of Mahishasura Mardini Alankaram. The combined effect of religious demand and the closure order on the festive day pushed prices to record levels.Poultry markets saw a sharp spike, with prices of live Asil country chickens shooting up from ₹400 to nearly ₹750 per kg. Bulk live sheep touched close to ₹12,000 per 15 kg, while mutton prices soared to ₹1,000 per kg, creating a financial strain on middle-class households preparing for the festival.Meat traders said the rush was unlike anything seen in recent months. “We have never witnessed such heavy crowds in recent times. The moment people heard about the closure, they thronged the stalls in huge numbers. Our sales doubled in just one day,” said SK Rahim, a meat stall owner from Bhavanipuram.Liquor shops too witnessed similar scenes, with long queues stretching outside popular outlets in the city. Residents were seen buying bottles in advance to stock up for the mid-week dry day.The festive demand, coupled with official restrictions, created a lively yet chaotic atmosphere in Vijayawada’s busy marketplaces. With Dasara celebrations in full swing, traders expect the high demand for meat and liquor to continue throughout the weekend.Meanwhile, VMC deployed a special inspection team to restrict meat sales on Thursday on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti. VMC commissioner HM Dhyana Chandra warned of stringent action against traders who ignore the directions of VMC.
