Patna, March 14: If you are planning to feast on non-vegetarian fare on Holi, be prepared to queue up from Saturday midnight and shell out a hefty amount.
The demand for chicken and mutton is set to spiral on March 20, the day of Holi, and so will the prices, the shopkeepers speculate. The prices of chicken and mutton have already gone up since last month and they may rise further by at least Rs 30 and Rs 60 respectively.
At present, chicken is sold at Rs 110 to Rs 130 per kg against Rs 100 to Rs 105 per kg last month. The rate of live chicken is also hovering between Rs 95 and Rs 110 per kg from last month’s Rs 80 to Rs 90 per kg.
On the other hand, mutton is also selling at Rs 300 to Rs 350 per kg instead of last month’s Rs 250 to Rs 280 per kg. The ongoing marriage season is another reason for the growing prices, said meat-sellers in the city.
Mohammad Aslam, a meat-seller on Exhibition Road, said: “The price will rise even further on the day of Holi. Right now, we are selling mutton between Rs 300 and Rs 350 a kg, depending on the customers. If I personally know the customer, I will give a discount of Rs 10 a kg but not lesser. Otherwise, I will make no profit on the sale.”
“The price of mutton will touch Rs 400 per kg on Holi and it will be available only for a few hours. None of the shop owners will sell mutton or chicken after 6am. Everything will be sold out by then. The customers start pouring in from midnight because that is the only guaranteed time they can get good meat. Customers will not get anything if they are late,” said Aslam.
Imitiaz Khan, a shop owner who sells chicken in the Boring Road area, said: “We are doing great business right now. I am selling at least 30 to 50kg of chicken everyday because of the ongoing marriage season. Holi will ensure good business for us as the price will touch Rs 150 per kg on the day. I expect to sell around 100 or 150kg that day.”
“Fish is not as popular as chicken and mutton and the price is normal at present. But rates are expected to rise by Rs 15 to Rs 20 on Holi,” said a fish seller at Rajapur Bridge.
Non-vegetarian menu on Holi is common in every household in the city. Nirmala Singh, a resident of Rajabazar, said: “Holi is a special festival and we don’t mind paying extra. There is no other option. We like to serve chicken or mutton to our relatives when they visit us on Holi and it also goes well for people who take liquor. But it is important to get good mutton in time. Fish is available till 9am but there is no chance to get mutton or chicken after 6am.”
