As Assam prepares to celebrate Uruka, the traditional eve of Magh Bihu, fish markets across the state witnessed an extraordinary rush from late Monday night, reflecting the deep cultural importance of the festival. From Guwahati to remote district towns, people turned out in large numbers to buy fish for the customary Uruka feast, a night that marks togetherness, abundance and shared meals before the harvest festival.
In Guwahati, fish markets remained crowded well past midnight. The Uzan Bazar fish market became one of the main centres of activity, with buyers lining up to purchase fish brought in from different parts of Assam and neighbouring states. Traders said more than 70 vehicles carrying fish arrived overnight, supplying varieties from Nagaon, Morigaon, Barpeta, Dhemaji, Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, Darrang and even West Bengal. Popular varieties such as Rohu, Chital, Borali, Ari and Bhokua were seen in large numbers, turning the market into a hive of activity.
Several unusually large fish drew public attention. At Uzan Bazar, Bhokua weighing around 15 kilograms, Chital weighing nearly 20 kilograms and Ari weighing about 17 kilograms were sold. In the Six Mile area, a 22-kilogram Borali and a 12-kilogram Ari were among the highlights. One buyer from Boko reportedly purchased a 15-kilogram Bhokua for Rs 10,000, reflecting the festive enthusiasm. Traders said fish weighing up to 30 kilograms were expected to be sold during the day. 
Ahead of the festival, the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department had instructed all district commissioners to fix prices of meat, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products for Magh Bihu. Monitoring teams were deployed across districts to ensure that the fixed rates were followed. Officials were also directed to inspect fish consignments arriving from outside areas. District administrations and special task forces remained active in markets, while the public was urged to report any cases of overpricing.
According to earlier reports, local Rohu in Guwahati was priced around Rs 700 per kilogram, while Rohu from Bengal sold at about Rs 350 per kilogram. Local Bhokua was priced near Rs 700 per kilogram, while Bengal and Bihar varieties ranged between Rs 500 and Rs 600. Local Ari was sold at around Rs 1,200 per kilogram, while Bengal Ari ranged between Rs 600 and Rs 700. Chital prices varied between Rs 800 and Rs 1,000 per kilogram depending on size.
At Bhetapara fish market, buyers began arriving from early morning hours. Traders said only local fish were allowed for sale on Uruka day. Prices included Bhokua at Rs 700 per kilogram for fish weighing 12 to 15 kilograms, Chital and Ari at Rs 1,200 per kilogram, Rohu at Rs 800 to Rs 900 per kilogram, Borali at Rs 1,200 per kilogram and Hilsa at around Rs 1,700 per kilogram.
The festive rush was not limited to Guwahati. In Sonapur, fish sold between Rs 500 and Rs 1,500 per kilogram. In Biswanath, daily markets came alive with large fish such as Ari, Chital, Borali and Pithia, some weighing up to 25 kilograms. Balipara markets saw fish weighing close to 35 kilograms, while Bihpuria markets were filled with fish sourced from the Subansiri and Brahmaputra rivers.
In Dergaon’s Negheriting fish market, Bahu fish weighing up to 32 kilograms were reported, while Dhekiajuli’s Singri market saw heavy crowds from as early as 2 am. Dibrugarh, Gohpur, Hajo, Jogighopa, Kaliabor, Nalbari, Lakhimpur, Majuli and several other districts also reported packed markets and brisk sales.
Traditional community fishing was observed in Dimoria, where thousands participated in mass fishing after customary rituals, keeping alive an age-old tradition. Meanwhile, strict vigilance was maintained near Kaziranga to enforce the ban on fishing inside the park.
