Chawkbazar comes alive on first day of Ramadan
The narrow lanes in front of the historic Shahi Mosque Chawkbazar were packed with buyers as families and groups of friends gathered to shop for iftar items or break their fast on the spot.
The traditional iftar market at Chawkbazar in Old Dhaka turned festive on the first day of Ramadan, drawing crowds of food lovers by late afternoon.
The narrow lanes in front of the historic Shahi Mosque Chawkbazar were packed with buyers as families and groups of friends gathered to shop for iftar items or break their fast on the spot.
While the mood was celebratory, many visitors voiced concern over rising prices.
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The iftar tradition at Chawkbazar dates back several centuries.
In 1676, Mughal Subahdar Shaista Khan built the Shahi Mosque Chawkbazar here. Later, in 1702, Nawab Murshid Quli Khan transformed Chawkbazar into a modern marketplace. From that time, a floating market of delicacies began to take shape around the mosque during Ramadan.
Centuries later, the tradition continues. Every Ramadan, an elaborate spread of iftar items is set up in front of the Shahi Mosque. Generations of cooks from Old Dhaka, following the legacy of renowned chefs, prepare a wide range of dishes.
The scale of the arrangement and the diversity of flavours have given rise to a popular item "boro baper polay khay," loosely implying that the feast is fit for the well-off.
Zahid Hasan, who came from Keraniganj with friends, said visiting Chawkbazar during Ramadan feels like a festival. "We try to come almost every year. We will break our fast here today," he said.
Sakib Hasan, who travelled from Rampura with his family, said they usually buy iftar from Chawkbazar two or three times each Ramadan. "The children are very happy when we bring home these items. But prices are higher this year, and bargaining did not help much," he added.
Naan shops had special arrangements, with milk naan selling for Tk60, garlic naan for Tk70 and special almond naan for Tk80. Mutton leg was priced at Tk800 per piece, beef suti kebab at Tk1,200 per kg and mutton suti kebab at Tk1,600 per kg.
The biggest attraction was a whole roasted mutton kebab priced at Tk10,000, displayed by vendor Md Saleh. "Everyone is looking at it with interest. Maybe one or two will buy," he said.
Other popular items included beef kala bhuna at Tk150 per packet and chicken tawa at Tk120. Quail roast was selling for Tk80 to Tk90, chicken skewers for Tk50 to Tk60, chicken roast for Tk320 to Tk350 per piece, chicken lollipop for Tk50, and kebabs and chicken balls for Tk60.
Vendors said higher raw material costs have pushed up prices. Despite that, business was brisk on the first day, as history, tradition and taste once again brought Chawkbazar to life.
