Fish Markets Turn Crowded Across Assam as Uruka Celebrations Begin

Assam is in the midst of vibrant celebrations and heightened activity as the state to observe Uruka, the traditional eve of Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu.

From late Monday night, fish markets across Guwahati and several other districts witnessed massive crowds as people thronged the markets to buy fish for Tuesday’s traditional Uruka feast. Deeply rooted in Assamese culture, the occasion brings families and communities together to cook, feast and celebrate a night symbolising abundance and togetherness.

Ahead of the festival, the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department had instructed all district commissioners to fix the prices of meat, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products for Magh Bihu. Monitoring teams were deployed across districts to ensure that vendors strictly followed the prescribed rates. Officials were also tasked with inspecting fish consignments arriving from outside districts. District commissioners and special task forces remained active across markets to prevent overpricing, while the public was urged to report any irregularities without delay.

In Guwahati, the Uzan Bazar fish market has been at the centre of the festive rush since midnight. More than 70 vehicles carrying fish arrived at the market from various parts of Assam and neighbouring regions. Fish sourced from Nagaon, Morigaon, Barpeta, Dhemaji, Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, Darrang and West Bengal flooded the market, turning Uzan Bazar into one of the busiest fish trading hubs on Uruka day. The market is brimming with ‘Chital’, ‘Rohu’, ‘Borali’, ‘Ari’, ‘Bhokua’ and several other varieties, drawing buyers from across the city.

Exceptionally large fish have emerged as major attractions in several markets. At Uzan Bazar, ‘Bhokua’ fish weighing 15 kilograms, ‘Chital’ weighing 20 kilograms and ‘Ari’ weighing 17 kilograms were reported. In the Six Mile area, a 22-kilogram ‘Borali’ and a 12-kilogram ‘Ari’ were sold. Reflecting the festive enthusiasm, a youth from Boko purchased a 15-kilogram ‘Bhokua’ fish at Uzan Bazar for Rs 10,000. Traders informed that the maximum weight of fish available at Uzan Bazar this year could go up to 30 kilograms.

Earlier on Monday, DY365 reported the prevailing fish prices in Guwahati markets. Local ‘Rohu’ was selling at Rs 700 per kilogram, while ‘Bengal Rohu’ was priced at Rs 350 per kilogram. Local ‘Bhokua’ was priced at Rs 700 per kilogram, whereas ‘Bhokua’ from Bengal and Bihar ranged between Rs 500 and Rs 600 per kilogram. Local ‘Ari’ was priced at Rs 1,200 per kilogram, while Bengal ‘Ari’ ranged between Rs 600 and Rs 700 per kilogram. ‘Chital’, both local and Bengal varieties, was being sold between Rs 800 and Rs 1,000 per kilogram, depending on size.

At the Bhetapara fish market, buyers started arriving from the early hours of the morning. Traders stated that only local fish were sold on Uruka day and Bengal fish were not allowed. According to the traders’ association, fish sales began from 6 am. Prices at Bhetapara included local ‘Bhokua’ at Rs 700 per kilogram for fish weighing between 12 and 15 kilograms, ‘Chital’ at Rs 1,200 per kilogram for fish weighing 6 to 7 kilograms, ‘Ari’ at Rs 1,200 per kilogram for fish weighing 5 to 6 kilograms, ‘Rohu’ at Rs 800 to Rs 900 per kilogram for fish weighing 8 to 9 kilograms, ‘Borali’ at Rs 1,200 per kilogram for fish weighing 5 to 6 kilograms, and ‘Hilsa’ at Rs 1,700 per kilogram for fish weighing around 2 kilograms.

The festive rush extended well beyond Guwahati. In Sonapur, fish were sold at prices ranging between Rs 500 and Rs 1,500 per kilogram. In Biswanath, daily markets witnessed a lively atmosphere, with ‘Bahu’, ‘Ari’, ‘Chital’, ‘Borali’ and ‘Pithia’ fish weighing between 10 and 25 kilograms. ‘Pithia’ fish weighing 18 kilograms, along with ‘Borali’ and ‘Chital’ weighing between 10 and 15 kilograms, were available, while a massive 25-kilogram ‘Bahu’ fish became a major attraction.

Balipara fish market experienced heavy crowds from early morning hours, with fish weighing nearly 35 kilograms drawing widespread attention. Varieties such as ‘Silgharia’, ‘Jungapithia Rohu’, ‘Bahu’ and ‘Brigade’ were sold in large numbers. In Bihpuria, markets were flooded with fish sourced from the Subansiri and Brahmaputra rivers, as buyers turned up in large numbers to make purchases for the Uruka night feast.

At Dergaon’s popular Negheriting fish market, fish weighing up to 32 kilograms in the ‘Bahu’ category, 18 kilograms in ‘Ari’ and 17 to 18 kilograms in ‘Pithia’ were reported. ‘Ari’ and ‘Pithia’ fish were sold at Rs 2,000 per kilogram, while ‘Bahu’ was priced at Rs 1,000 per kilogram. Dhekiajuli’s Singri fish market also witnessed heavy footfall from as early as 2 am, with ‘Ari’ priced between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500 per kilogram, ‘Chital’ between Rs 800 and Rs 1,000 per kilogram, and ‘Bahu’ between Rs 400 and Rs 600 per kilogram.

In Dibrugarh, fish markets remained bustling with buyers, with ‘Rohu’, ‘Borali’, ‘Ari’ and ‘Chital’ available in abundance. In Gohpur, buyers gathered at the Balijan Jakapara Mahabahu Fishery to purchase fish for the Uruka feast. Nearly 10 quintals of ‘Borali’ and ‘Bahu’ fish were kept ready for sale, with a 14-kilogram ‘Borali’ emerging as a major attraction. Fish from the Mahabahu Fishery are known for their superior taste and are supplied to markets in Biswanath, Sonitpur, Lakhimpur and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh.

Hajo continued its age-old tradition of holding midnight fish auctions on Uruka night. This year, a 20-kilogram ‘Bhokua’ and a 22-kilogram ‘Brigade’ fish drew massive attention, as hundreds of quintals of fish were sold through the night. Jogighopa’s Hari Pani fish market also witnessed a festive rush, with fish sourced from Tamrannga beel, Dalani beel and Kanara beel. Buyers arrived early in the morning to purchase large fish such as ‘Chital’, ‘Rohu’, ‘Katla (Bhokua)’ and ‘Borali’.

At Kaliabor’s Chulung wholesale fish market, fish worth several lakhs of rupees were sold, including a massive 30-kilogram ‘Brigade’ fish. In Sribhumi market, ‘Borali’, ‘Hilsa’ and ‘Chital’ fish were available, though traders noted a comparatively lower turnout due to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s participation in a women entrepreneurship programme in the area on Tuesday. Lakhimpur, Majuli, Nalbari and several other districts also reported packed fish markets, with Nalbari witnessing the sale of a 26-kilogram ‘Brigade’ fish at Rs 800 per kilogram.

Traditional community fishing was observed in Dimoria, where thousands participated in the age-old royal tradition of mass fishing at Bamani Beel, Jalisara Beel and Parashali Beel after performing customary rituals. Despite growing concerns over biodiversity in recent years, local residents continue their efforts to preserve the tradition, making Uruka a symbol of unity and communal harmony.

Meanwhile, following the ban on fishing inside Kaziranga National Park, strict vigilance was maintained throughout the night by forest and police departments. No fishing activity was reported inside the park, and awareness campaigns were carried out in nearby villages through public announcements to prevent any illegal fishing.

This year’s Uruka holds special emotional significance as it marks the first Uruka without popular singer Zubeen Garg, lending a subdued sentiment to the festivities for many. Even so, with Meji lighting and community feasts set to follow, Assam stands united in celebration, welcoming Bhogali Bihu with food, tradition and a deep sense of togetherness.

Also Read: Assamese Pithas: A Taste of Bhogali Bihu Traditions