The much-anticipated first shipment of Bangladeshi Hilsa has arrived in West Bengal, marking a special moment ahead of Durga Puja. Known as the “Queen of Fish,” Hilsa is a beloved delicacy for Bengalis, and its arrival ahead of this major festival holds immense cultural significance.
The shipment, consisting of around 45-50 tonnes of Hilsa, crossed the India-Bangladesh Petrapole-Benapole border and reached markets in Howrah, Kolkata, Siliguri, and other regions. This is part of a larger agreement between Bangladesh and India, where Bangladesh has approved the export of 3,000 tonnes of Hilsa fish ahead of Durga Puja. The fish, sourced from Bangladesh’s Padma River, is particularly sought after for its superior taste. According to officials, more shipments are expected to arrive before the export window closes on October 12, right before a scheduled fishing ban in Bangladesh begins to allow for breeding.
The Padma Hilsa has always been in high demand during Durga Puja, with traders and consumers eager to get their hands on this prized fish. The prices for Hilsa range from Rs 900 to Rs 1,600 per kilogram, depending on the size, reflecting its high demand and somewhat limited availability. Despite these high prices, the festive season will see an uptick in demand across Bengal and even in other Indian cities like Delhi and Bengaluru.
The export of Hilsa from Bangladesh has seen fluctuations over the years, with a ban in place between 2012 and 2018. However, Bangladesh has made special exceptions in recent years for Durga Puja, as a gesture of goodwill and cultural diplomacy. This year’s export comes amid internal debates in Bangladesh over whether to prioritize the domestic market, but the decision to export ahead of Durga Puja aligns with historical traditions.
This “Hilsa diplomacy” reflects the strong cultural ties between India and Bangladesh, with the fish symbolizing much more than just an economic commodity. It plays a pivotal role in the festive joy for millions of Bengalis during Durga Puja, and the arrival of the fish is considered an essential part of the celebrations.
