Uzanbazar Fish Market: A Vibrant Hub for Bhogali Celebrations

The Heart of Bhogali Festivities

As dawn breaks on Uruka, the narrow streets of Uzanbazar awaken with life. Enveloped in winter mist and eager anticipation, this historic fish market, one of the oldest in Guwahati, enters its most lively phase, becoming the focal point of Bhogali festivities.

This is where the true spirit of the festival begins. For many years, Magh Bihu has been synonymous with an abundance of fish, and on January 13, the air is filled with tradition and excitement.

From sitol, rou, and bhouka to a stunning variety of other river fish, the market transforms into a bustling hub for traders and customers from all over Assam.

Navigating Space Constraints

This year, the influx of visitors is anticipated to be unprecedented, even as the market adapts to the newly established Sati Radhika Park, which has been constructed adjacent to the trading area, creating a juxtaposition of old customs and modern urban development.

Challenges of Space

Rajib Das, a fish vendor, expressed the need for more space during Magh Bihu. He noted that with the surge of sellers on Uruka, a larger area would have been beneficial.

"The volume of fish is significantly higher, and many traders arrive. Although authorities have opened up space beneath the park, it remains muddy and damp, making it challenging for fish vendors to operate efficiently," he stated.

His remarks highlight the ongoing struggle between a vibrant traditional market and the pressures of evolving urban infrastructure.

Optimism Amidst Chaos

Freshly caught fish await eager buyers at the Uzanbazar fish market. (Photo)

The newly constructed Sati Radhika Park has changed the dynamics of the area. While it has introduced a landscaped public space, it has also limited the already constrained market during peak festive times.

To accommodate the seasonal influx, a temporary setup has been arranged. Wholesale traders will continue in the original market area, while retailers will operate under and around the park during the Bhogali Mela.

Aiming for Greater Heights

Ambitious Goals Amidst Challenges

Despite the logistical hurdles, traders maintain a positive outlook. Bhaskar Das, the general secretary of the Brihattar Uzanbazar Schedule Caste Unemployed Fish Trader Association, emphasized their focus on growth rather than limitations.

"There are no significant issues. We have been allocated additional space extending towards the riverbank. Last year, we sold around 70–80 tonnes of fish, and this year, we aim for nearly 100 tonnes," he shared.

The figures tell a compelling story. On Uruka and during Magh Bihu, approximately 1,000 to 1,500 fish traders gather at Uzanbazar from various regions including Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Tezpur, and more.

The market opens as early as 4–4:30 am, accommodating the thick winter fog and the urgency of wholesale transactions, while retail sales and the Bhogali Mela continue throughout the day.

A Cultural Celebration

Preparations are in full swing as the Bhogali Mela gate takes shape at Uzanbazar fish market. (Photo)

While fish remains the highlight, the market during Magh Bihu also showcases the richness of Assamese culinary traditions.

Stalls offering pitha, sira, doi, duck, and other festive items fill the area, creating a vibrant sensory experience of aromas, sounds, and flavors.

By mid-morning, the market evolves from a transactional space into a lively spectacle. Shoppers navigate through rows of fish stalls, while families explore nearby vendors selling essential items for Magh Bihu feasting.

"There’s a unique rhythm to this place during Magh Bihu. It’s not just about buying fish; it’s about immersing in the festival," remarked a frequent visitor.

Heritage Meets Modernity

Preserving Tradition Amidst Change

Uzanbazar’s fish market is a cherished part of Guwahati’s history. Nestled in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods near the river, it has withstood floods, congestion, and now urban redevelopment.

The Assam government’s initiative to revamp the Uzanbazar fish market, with plans to house the market on the ground floor and provide parking above, indicates a shift towards a more organized future.

Space designated for retailers beneath the Sati Radhika Park structure. (Photo)

However, during Magh Bihu, the market defies uniformity. It expands and breathes, much like the nearby Brahmaputra.

As Guwahati evolves, Uzanbazar’s Uruka fish market serves as a poignant reminder that some traditions cannot be confined. For one foggy winter morning and a bustling festive day, the city continues to resonate with the rhythm of fish vendors, early risers, and the enduring joy of Bhogali.