Old Dhaka markets overflow with juicy summer fruits

As Joishtho, known as the honey month (Madhumas) in the Bangla calendar, unfolds, fruit enthusiasts revel in its delightful bounty.

Nestled within Joishtho, the second month of the Bangla calendar; Old Dhaka's famed wholesale markets in Badamtoli and Waizghat come alive in a vibrant fruit festival, showcasing nature's juiciest offerings.

Truckloads of golden Himsagar, Rupali, and Langra mangoes, alongside luscious Bombay, Bellary, and China-3 lychees, flood one of the country's oldest and largest fruit trading hubs.

From early morning, the warehouses brim with fresh produce as energetic bargaining fills the air. Wholesale traders and retail buyers alike flock to the markets, creating an electrifying atmosphere of commerce and celebration. The sheer vibrancy of Madhumas makes this season a true feast for fruit enthusiasts.

On-site observations revealed that the China-3 lychee is currently the best-selling variety. Sourced from Dinajpur and Pabna, these lychees are selling wholesale at Tk8,000-9,000 per thousand, while retail prices range between Tk 900 and 1,200 per hundred.

The Bombay lychee, brought in from Rajshahi, Dinajpur, and Ishwardi, sells wholesale for Tk4,000-5,000 per thousand, with retail prices at Tk450-500 per hundred.

Meanwhile, the Bellary lychee from Dinajpur is trading at Tk2,500-2,800 wholesale, while Tk350-400 in retail.

Traders report that demand for lychees currently surpasses that of other fruits, with customer numbers rising daily.

They anticipated that demand will surge further during the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha festival.

Besides, mangoes are typically sold in carats - each containing approximately 22 to 23 kilograms. Prices vary depending on the variety, size, and quality.

The well-loved Himsagar mangoes from Jashore and Satkhira are being sold at Tk60-70 per kg wholesale, with retail prices climbing to Tk120-150.

Langra mangoes from Rajshahi, Jashore, and Chapainawabganj are priced at Tk60 per kg wholesale and Tk80-90 in retail.

Rupali mangoes from Jashore are going for Tk75-80 wholesale while Tk100-120 in retail. For more budget-conscious buyers, "Guti mangoes" -of lower quality- are available at just Tk20-25 per kg wholesale.

Md Robin, a fruit seller from Siam Enterprise, shared insights into current market trends, saying, "There is a good supply of mangoes and steady buyer turnout." 

However, due to many mangoes not yet being fully ripe in the orchards, there's still some shortage in supply, he said, adding, "We expect Satkhira mangoes to arrive in larger quantities about 10 days after Eid." 

Mentioning that mangoes from Chapainawabganj are especially popular for their size, look, and taste, Robin said, "We're hopeful that demand will increase even more once these mangoes hit the market." 

"Our warehouse supplies not only areas across Dhaka but also places like Hatia in Noakhali, parts of Barisal, and even via river launches," he added.

Shahjahan, a Barisal-bound passenger shopping at Waizghat, was seen buying lychees. "I'm heading home for the Eid holidays with my family and wanted to bring something special," he shared with a smile. "The prices are a bit steep, but the lychees are so fresh and vibrant that they feel worth it."