Andhra Pradesh: Chicken sale takes a hit due to Kartika Masam, falls by 60%

VIJAYAWADA: Chicken and meat sales in the city have come down significantly on account of Kartika Masam. Amaravati Poultry Traders’ Association estimates that the chicken sale fell by 60 per cent on Sunday.
Kartika Masam is considered auspicious and people offer prayers throughout the month. Worshipping plants and trees, and practising non-violence are important aspects of Kartika Masam celebrations.People who observe month-long prayers eat only vegetarian food.
“Kartika Masam is the favourite month of lords Shiva and Vishnu. People do deeksha during this month and offer prayers. Only vegetarian food is permitted for those who perform these rituals. There is a scientific approach behind this. Kartika Masam is the gateway to the winter season. Consuming light and easily digestible vegetarian food is preferable during this period. Ancient people mixed tradition with devotion,” said K Sivaprasada Sharma, a vedic scholar.
The demand for non-vegetarian food has come down. Markets wore a deserted look on Sunday. Fish markets at Chuttugunta, One Town, Durgapuram, Darsipet and Patamata in the city saw less crowds. Many stall owners voluntarily stopped selling chicken, fish, prawns, mutton and other non-vegetarian items. Due to this, the price of chicken and fish fell by 20 per cent. “Kartika Masam has affected our business. Chicken and fish consumption came down and prices also went down with poor demand. We are predicting the price to further come down by 30% in the next 10 days,” said B Chinna Babu, a chicken trader in Maganti market in the city.
Meanwhile, restaurants and eateries are facing tough times due to the poor sales. Many eateries have stopped selling non-veg food. Food courts are offering special discounts and are conducting food festivals to boost sale of non-veg dishes.