With just a month to go before the 10-day-long Durga Puja celebrations kick off, a looming shadow of culinary despair is hanging over the festival in West Bengal. The interim government of Bangladesh has reimposed a ban on exporting hilsa (ilish) fish to India, threatening to create a severe shortage and send prices soaring. This beloved fish is a central part of Durga Puja feasts, and its absence could significantly impact the festive spirit.
The ban comes as a blow to Indian consumers, particularly those in West Bengal, where hilsa is a culinary staple. The Bangladesh government, citing the need to ensure sufficient supply for its own people, has clamped down on exports, mirroring a similar move made in 2012. Prior to this, the previous government under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had facilitated hilsa exports during major festivals like Durga Puja, Poila Boisakh (Bengali New Year), and Jamai Soshti.
This year, a brief window of opportunity opened up when Bangladesh allowed 79 exporters to send 3,950 tonnes of hilsa to India just before Durga Puja. But the recent ban has effectively shut the door on this lifeline, leaving Indians scrambling to find alternatives.
While hilsa from other sources like Odisha, Myanmar, and Gujarat will still be available, the prices are expected to rise significantly. Retailers in Delhi’s CR market are already anticipating a price jump from ₹1,800-₹2,000 per kilo to ₹2,200-₹2,400 per kilo for a 1-1.3 kg hilsa.
The ban has sparked concerns about the potential impact on Durga Puja celebrations, where hilsa plays a central role in traditional feasts. The escalating prices could make the fish unaffordable for many, potentially impacting the festive spirit and traditional culinary customs. The situation highlights the complex interdependency between India and Bangladesh, where a seemingly simple ban on fish exports can have far-reaching consequences on cultural and culinary traditions across borders.
