AGARTALA, APRIL13 (TIWN): Prices of the hugely popular and delightfully tasty fish Hilsa have skyrocketed in Agartala ahead of the Bengali New Year 1423 which falls on April 14.

For many Bengali people Hilsa, a species of fish in the herring family, is a "must eat" fish on the first day of the Bengali New Year.

Skyrocketing price of commodities in the State ahead of Bengali New Year has hit the pocket of people miserably.

On the occasion of Baishakh celebration, the delicious Hilsa fish is a traditional item on the menu of New Year feast. But due to the soaring price of Hilsa, it is gradually vanishing from the menu of the fixed income people.

Reportedly, the Hilsa has been sold at a rate of Rs. 1, 500 per Kilogram. Eating fish with rice is the followed as tradition in most of the Bengali families. But the skyrocketing price has become headache for the middle class and poor families.

On the day of Bengali new year, when the Bengali families celebrates the day with rich food and sweets which includes fish, meat and many other items, the skyrocketing price of commodities hits the pocket of the middle class families and poor.

Bengalis usually start the day with a traditional, simple breakfast of panta-bhat (leftover rice soaked in water) and fried hilsa the prices for which local supermarkets have hiked severely. Hilsa, a delicacy, weighing about 1 kg is now being sold at Rs1500-2000 in the markets of Agartala.

There is higher demand for Hilsa fish now in the market. Since Hilsa is an absolute must to celebrate new

Year, its demand is through the roof. The Skyrocketing prices of Hilsa ahead of the New Year, however, have kept some buyers at bay.

Amid soaring prices many were seen in the city's markets to, people were seen buying Hilsa fish form the market as Bengali New Year is in complete with Hilsa fish.

However many were seen instead of rushing to buy the exorbitantly priced fish, busy buying cakes, sweets and fruits to "sweeten the mood" during the upcoming celebrations.

Apart from fish the cost of mutton also touched the sky above Rs 700 per Kilogram. The hikes in the prices of vegetables have upset the budgets of middle and lower class families, particularly affecting those below the poverty line. The rise in prices of vegetables has created great dissatisfaction among the public.

However, the skyrocketing price of the commodities left the poor and middle class families in miserable condition on the occasion of Bengali New Year. 

Poila Boishakh is the first day of the Bengali Calendar. Hence Poila Boishakh is also known as Bengali New Year. Bengali New Year is celebrated in West Bengal and among Bengali communities in Assam and Tripura. In Assam, Poila Boishakh is celebrated as Bihu and also known as Assamese New Year.