Kolkata Celebrates Its Love for Fish With a Unique Festival

Kolkata is hosting the Bengal Fish Fest, a unique three-day fiesta that celebrates city’s love for fish.

Kolkata celebrated a unique fish festival. Photo used for representational purpose only. (Courtsey: West Bengal Fisheries Department)

For the first time, Kolkata is officially celebrating its love for fish. The city is hosting a unique three-day fish fiesta, the Bengal Fish Fest from 18 to 20 December 2015.

Fish lovers have been flocking to the picturesque Nalban Food Park in Salt Lake to sample the wide varieties of fish on offer.

The three-day fish fest aims at attracting investment into the state. (Photo: Payal Mohanka)

Organised by the State Fisheries Development Corporation (SFDC), in association with the National Fisheries Development Board and the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the festival aims at promoting West Bengal’s fishery industry and attract investment.

The fest aims at connecting all parts of the value chain, from the fish farmer to the retail sector.

Sumanta Chowdhury, Principal Secretary, Fisheries

Organisers said that sincere attempts are being made to increase fish production and also improve the working conditions of fishermen.

We have set up stalls displaying the latest techniques used by fishermen, as well as feed for pisciculture. We are also promoting the breeding of high price fish.

BK Mondal, Joint Director, Fisheries

A stall at the Bengal Fish Festival. (Photo: Payal Mohanka)

The fest has fifty stalls covering a range of infrastructure providers, ornamental fish as well as dry and fresh fish. Fifteen restaurant chains in Kolkata are also showcasing their chefs’ favourites.

The fest also includes culinary competitions and quizzes, along with seminars.

West Bengal, which is a large producer and exporter of shrimps and tiger prawns is determined to capitalise on its strength.

SN Biswas, Joint Director, Fisheries, who oversees the investor promotion unit, said that the state’s total export reached 85138.46 metric tonnes, valued at Rs 3687.68 crore between 2014-15. But the estimated potential of the state was more than 100,000 metric tonnes.

The Bengal Fish Festival is organised at the Nalban Food Park in Salt Lake. (Photo: Payal Mohanka)

The buyer-seller meet at the fish festival has also attracted 12 international buyers from Japan, Vietnam, China, UAE and Oman who are looking for more business opportunities.

Enthused by the response so far, the organisers hope to host the festival again next winter.

The event also marks 50 years of the SFDC.