Sidra business thrives in Dharan as winter sets in

KATHMANDU: Every morning at 8 AM, Manka Shahi arrives at the Machabhaudi alley in Dharan to sell Sidra (dried fish) until 6 PM. She says that the business is quite profitable.

“Sidra sells better in winter compared to summer, so with the onset of winter, Sidra trade in Dharan has flourished,” she shares. Shahi has been in the Sidra business for 20 years, relying on it for her livelihood. She sells Sidra at prices ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 1,200 per kilogram. “The earnings are good based on effort, and I am satisfied. After covering all my expenses, I save up to Rs 40,000 every month,” she adds.

In the Machabhaudi alley, several other Sidra traders from Bhanu Chowk also contribute to the growing market, with customers traveling from distant places to buy Sidra.

Prem Shrestha, a Sidra vendor from Dharan-3, has been in the business for 33 years. He also confirms that the Sidra business flourishes with the onset of winter.

According to him, the demand peaks from the first week of Kartik (October-November) until Falgun (February-March).

Shrestha now sells more than 12 varieties of Sidra, including Patasi, Chela, Bhamna, Junga, Sundari, Tegna, Barel, Chalwa, Jhinge, and Bulwa. He mentions that most Sidra is sold to be used in pickles and as a side dish. “I support my household and pay for my children’s school fees through this business,” he explains.

He also adds that due to the scarcity of Sidra production in Nepal, it needs to be imported from India. “I sell over 20 quintals of Sidra each year. The demand is particularly high in the hilly districts of Nepal,” Shrestha notes.

Sidra is mainly produced in Nepal between the months of Shrawan (July-August) and Ashoj (September-October).

During this period, Shrestha buys locally and sells it, but once the season ends, he imports it from India. Sidra is in high demand in Dharan’s hotels, mainly for use in pickles. Customers also purchase it as a gift for relatives.

In winter, it is common to make Sidra soup, and many traders like Shahi and Shrestha have made a living from this seasonal business.

Over a dozen Sidra traders operate in Dharan, with a significant number of them being women.