Yanam, Union Territory near Kakinada – The anticipation for the coveted Pulasa fish in the Godavari districts has reached a fever pitch as red waters begin to flow in the Godavari river. This year, however, the fervor seems tinged with disappointment as the Pulasa catch has been relatively scarce compared to previous years. Local fishermen report that only one or two-kilogram fish have made their way to the market in recent weeks.
One such remarkable catch was made by fisherman Vanamadi Adinarayana at Pushkarghat recently. Adinarayana’s net yielded a Pulasa fish weighing over two kilograms.
This extraordinary find was promptly taken to the market, where it was acquired for a staggering sum of Rs. 19,000 by Kollu Nagalakshmi. Subsequently, a prominent politician from Ravulapalem purchased the prized fish from her for Rs. 26,000, setting a new record for Pulasa prices.
The Pulasa fish holds a special place in the hearts and palates of residents in the Godavari districts and the broader Telugu states. Its scarcity only adds to its allure, prompting buyers to acquire even a single kilogram of the fish without hesitation, despite the steep price tags. The fish’s popularity extends to political circles, with leaders expressing a keen interest in this culinary delicacy, often keeping a close watch on the market for its arrival.
Fishermen explain that Pulasa fish journey from distant locales in the Bay of Bengal, with their arrival coinciding with the red waters in the Godavari river. These fish are believed to travel from places as far as Tanzania, New Zealand, and Australia for breeding. They typically reside in the Godavari during the Asha and Shravana months before returning to the sea.
Historically referred to as “Ilasa,” it’s said that when the red waters of the Godavari mix with the sea, the Ilasa transforms into the highly sought-after Pulasa. The scientific name for this prized fish is “Hilsahilsa.” Fishermen assert that Pulasa can be found not only in Godavari districts but also along the coasts of Odisha and Bangladesh. They are particularly abundant near the convergence points of Godavari’s waters with the sea.
