# Odisha non-veg markets flood as holy month approaches

2026-10-23T10:11:00+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

With two days left before the holy month of Kartika begins, non-vegetarian markets across Odisha are crowded with customers stocking up on fish, meat and eggs before a month-long vegetarian diet. Many Odia households observe strict dietary restrictions during Kartika, excluding fish, meat, eggs and sometimes onion and garlic. The rush is being compared to Chhadakhai, the day people traditionally end the vegetarian month. Traders say sales of fish and meat typically drop by more than 50 per cent during Kartika. Vendors are stocking extra supplies in the final days to maximise profits. The surge in demand has pushed up prices of mutton, chicken and fish.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

The sharp rise comes in the last shopping window before a month-long vegetarian observance that cuts non-vegetarian sales by over half. Buyers face higher prices for mutton, chicken and fish as sellers try to maximise revenue before the lean period. Vendors have stocked extra supplies for these final days, betting on the last-minute rush. Religious custom dictates family menus and market cycles in Odisha, with the holy month set to begin.

## Coverage

- kalingatv.com <https://kalingatv.com/odisha/crowds-flood-odisha-markets-ahead-of-kartika-month-meat-and-fish-prices-surge/>
  Leads with crowd scene, attributes price rise to demand, no official or trader quote of a specific figure

This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.

Tags: Bhubaneswar, Chhadakhai, Kartika, Odisha
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