Over 50,000 people have thronged Uzanbazar Fish Market till 11 AM

GUWAHATI: It's Uruka today and people of Assam are all set for the grand feast with their loved ones tonight, and mark the onset of Bhogali Bihu. The festive season in Guwahati is no different.
 
The Uzanbazar fish market have been flooded with various kinds of fish since the wee hours. The fish vendors have come from different places in and around Guwahati and have started selling fish from the wee hours, as early as 3 am today. Fish from various parts of lower and middle Assam, such Nalbari, Sualkuch, Mukalmuwa, Nagaon were brought to the ghat.

Speaking to G Plus, the vendors have said that nearly 50,000 people, if not any less, have come to the Uzanbazar Ghat till 11 AM to buy fish for the Uruka feast. However, the prices of the fish were sky rocketing.

A Chitol fish of 2 kg has been priced at Rs 550-Rs 600
A Borali fish of 4 kg weight has been priced at Rs 1200 to Rs 1300
Aari fish - Rs 700 per kg
Bhokua fish - Rs 1000 per kg

This year, the demand for Chitol fish is on the rise.

"Guwahatians have shown much interest in fish this year too. People are buying all sorts of fish for the dinner tonight, but Chitol is on a high demand this year," said a fish vendor.

On the other hand, meat vendors have expressed a little disappointment this year. Several vendors who have come from nearby areas have informed that the demand for fish is much higher than chicken, duck or pigeon. "We could not make the profit that we expected. At least in the Uzanbazar area, the fish vendors are making a much better profit,"said a meat vendor from Kurua.

Local chicken - Rs 400 per kg
Duck - Rs 500 plus per piece
Pigeon - Rs 250 plus per pair
Mutton - Rs 600 per kg

Guwahatians have expressed a sense of joy that the hue and cry of Citizenship Amendment Bill has failed to dampen the spirit of Bhogali Bihu. Speaking to G Plus, a resident of Guwahati said, "Bihu is a time of unity. We cannot celebrate Bihu with a sense of disharmony. The festival has brought a positive feel amidst the hard time. Let's all stand united on this occasion."