Kolkata: With Jamai Sasthi on Sunday , a severe shortage of fish in Kolkata’s markets has cast a shadow over preparations for one of Bengal’s most cherished family festivals. While demand remains high, many of the most sought-after varieties are either unavailable or being sold at steep prices, leaving mothers-in-law anxious about serving their sons-in-law traditional festive meals.
The situation is similar across major fish markets in the city, including Gariahat, Lake Market, Maniktala and Hatibagan. Traders say supplies of marine fish remain limited despite the end of the annual fishing ban period, which ran from April 15 to June 14.
According to fish merchants, many trawlers that ventured into the sea after this period are yet to return. Delays caused by diesel-related issues have further disrupted fishing operations, preventing supplies from returning to normal levels.
As a result, consumers are increasingly relying on freshwater fish. However, even those supplies are struggling to keep pace with demand. Buyers who prefer marine varieties such as hilsa, pomfret and bhetki are finding it difficult to accept freshwater alternatives.
Many homemakers have collected the contact numbers of fish vendors and are waiting for updates on fresh arrivals. Until then, several households are depending on frozen and cold-storage fish for the festival
“Marine fish are almost unavailable in the market. Demand is huge, but supplies are extremely low. Prices have been rising almost everyday over the past fortnight. The situation ahead of Jamai Shasthi is worrying for us as well,” said Amar Das, a fish trader at Lake Market.
Satinath Patra, secretary of a fishermen’s association, said the first batch of trawlers is taking longer time than usual to return.
“A complete fishing trip generally takes anything between 15 and 17 days. A few trawlers have started returning and some pomfret is reaching the market, but hilsa supplies remain extremely limited,” he said.
Despite the crunch, some residents remain optimistic. Amarabati Mukherjee, a homemaker from south Kolkata, said families would adapt to the situation.
“We have the phone numbers of a fewsellers. We will buy fish as soon as we get the news. Jamai Shasthi lunch will be at home, not in a hotel,” Mukherjee said.
With just days left for the festival, traders and consumers alike are hoping that returning trawlers will ease the supply crunch and bring down prices before the celebrations begin.