Padma Hilsa Sparks Celebration in Tripura Before Durga Puja

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Agartala
• Sep 18, 2025
• 27

As Durga Puja approaches, the much-awaited Padma Hilsa has finally reached Tripura’s markets. The first consignment brought 1 metric ton of the prized fish, followed by another shipment on Friday. In total, around 15–20 tons are expected to arrive in phases before the festival.

For Bengalis, Durga Puja is not just about devotion but also celebration through food—and Hilsa tops the festive platter. Padma Hilsa, in particular, carries a special cultural and emotional significance. Its arrival has already filled the festive air with joy and excitement.

Yet, uncertainty clouds the celebration. With Bangladesh set to enforce a seasonal ban on fishing and exports, the final volume reaching Tripura remains unclear. Importers caution that this year’s Hilsa is smaller in size and likely to cost more, pushing it beyond the reach of ordinary consumers.

Under Bangladesh’s 2015 export policy, Hilsa can be exported under certain conditions, though in practice India received its first consignment only in 2019—mainly for Durga Puja demand. Last year, 2,420 tons were cleared for export, but this year the quota has been reduced to just 1,200 tons. The government has also fixed the minimum export price at $12.5 per kg (around ₹1,057), which is expected to further inflate retail prices.

While the seasonal restrictions are scientifically essential to protect peak breeding, Hilsa for Bengalis is more than just fish—it is an emotion. Thus, even in limited supply, the arrival of Padma Hilsa ahead of Durga Puja adds a unique sparkle to the festival, though its soaring price may dim the joy for many households.