Fish prices hit the roof on Mrigasira eve

Live murrel varieties are sold at a whopping Rs 600 to Rs 800 per kg

Hyderabad: As the State is all set to observe Mrigasira Karthi, a time Hindu devotees prefer to consume fish as per their age-old belief on Thursday, demand for fish skyrocketed leading to a steep rise in the prices in the markets in the twin cities on the eve of the auspicious day on Wednesday.

It is a common belief that fish should be eaten on the Mrigasira day. Thus, the demand for fish, especially the ‘korra’ or murrel variety, which is a popular freshwater species, is normally very high leading to escalation in their cost. The fish markets, especially in Ramnagar, Secunderabad and a few other places are already besieged by fish-lovers fearing shortage.

Taking advantage of the heavy rush, the sellers in the market are selling the korra live variety at a staggering price ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 800 per kilogram. Even departmental stores, malls and food bazaars are also catering to the needs of fish for the Mrigasira day.

The Fisheries Department also has made arrangements to supply fish keeping in view the high demand on the occasion. Apart from the normal sizes of live korra, the department also is supplying fingerlings used as ‘fish prasadam’ for asthma patients. As a matter of fact, the Bathini family of Lal Darwaza in the old city would be organising a special camp for the purpose every year for which asthma patients from all over the country come to avail the fish treatment.

It is a common belief that eating fish on the occasion of Mrigasira Karthi would help cure various breathing problems, including asthma.