Odisha’s Chhadakhai Spirit Muted as Thursday Tradition Clashes with Festive Feasting
Bhubaneswar: The sacred month of Kartika, marked by devotion and vegetarianism across Odisha, concluded this week with the much-anticipated Chhadakhai festival.
Traditionally a day of indulgence, Chhadakhai sees families flocking to meat and fish markets after a month-long abstinence, reigniting Odisha’s vibrant non-veg food culture.
However, this year’s celebration hit an unexpected snag. Chhadakhai fell on a Thursday—widely considered inauspicious for consuming meat in many Odia households.
The timing has dampened the usual frenzy, with traders reporting a 20–30% dip in sales compared to previous years.
“In 2024, we saw over Rs 8 crore in combined sales across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. This year, footfall is visibly lower,” said a vendor at Unit-IV Market. Prices of chicken, mutton, and prawns remained stable, but the buzz was missing.
Despite the slow start, optimism remains. Many families are postponing their Chhadakhai feasts to Friday or the weekend, hoping to balance tradition with celebration.
Traders expect a rebound in sales as the weekend approaches, with delayed gatherings and feasts likely to revive the festive mood.
For now, Odisha’s non-veg markets are bracing for a staggered celebration—one that respects religious sentiments while keeping the spirit of Chhadakhai alive.
