The holy month of Ramadan has arrived, and the traditional Iftar market in Old Dhaka has turned into a bustling hub once again.
Residents from different parts of the city flock to the makeshift stalls in the alleys of Old Dhaka to buy varied, delectable items for Iftar.
As in previous years, the busy act of preparing Iftar was seen on the first day of Ramadan in different parts of the area. Shopkeepers and their staff were seen preparing different ingredients hours before the sales began. There is no room for a breather for these shopkeepers in Kaltabazar, Ray Saheb Bazar, Nazirabazar, Chawkbazar, and Narinda.
Residents of Old Dhaka, according to locals, refer to Iftar as "roja kholai." Although this terminology seems new to many readers, the original inhabitants of old Dhaka are still habituated to using it during the month of Ramadan.
Even if food is prepared at home, the attraction of outside food does not let go of the residents of Old Dhaka. It is a month-long festival.
Boro Baaper Polaye Khaye, Shutli Kebab, Shahi Doi Bora, mutton and chicken cutlets, Kima Roll, Kima Paratha, and Borhani are some of the delicacies among Old Dhaka’s Iftar items.
Harun and Mohiuddin have been busy preparing various types of Iftar items since the morning. They are making jilapi, vegetable rolls, chicken rolls, chhola, potato cutlets, shakfuluri and different kinds of kebab.
When asked about the preparation of Iftar items, Harun said: “I have been preparing various items since the morning, even though I am fasting.”
In Kaltabazar, another worker named Shafiqul Islam was seen frying bundia.
“We have prepared chops, beguni, and jilapi since the morning. Preparations are in full swing ahead of the first day of business.”
In front of the famous hotels and restaurants of Old Dhaka, temporary decorative sheds were being installed. The scene was common in all the areas of Old Dhaka, including Wari, Johnson Road, and Chawkbazar.
Tipu Sultan, manager of Star Hotel, said: “We make sheds like this every year. This year is no different. Our prices have not increased much either; they are still the same as before.”
Regarding the sales of Iftar items, traders complained that it has become difficult to buy ingredients for Iftar this year due to the increase in commodity prices.
Mohammad Saidul Haque, a businessman in Nazirabazar, said: “Prices of various products have gone up slightly, while we have compromised with the portions of some other items. It is difficult to cope with the soaring prices of essential items while preparing food. It will not be possible for us to maintain the previous prices for many items this year.”
