A two-decade-old weekly Noyabati Bird Market in Khulna has become a vibrant hub for bird lovers, breeders and traders—and a lifeline for nearby small businesses.
The chirping of colorful birds, the flutter of wings and the bustle of buyers and sellers transform Khulna’s Noyabati intersection into a lively marketplace every Friday morning.
Over nearly two decades, Noyabati has grown into one of the largest bird markets in Khulna region, drawing hobby breeders, traders and enthusiasts from across the city and neighbouring districts.
From early morning until noon, hundreds of visitors flock to the weekly market to buy and sell birds, pets and accessories. Families often bring their children, turning the marketplace into both a trading centre and a popular weekend attraction.
The market offers a wide selection of birds, alongside pigeons, ducks, chickens, rabbits, cats and aquarium fish. Traders also sell cages, feed, medicines, water pots and other accessories.
Pigeons are the star attraction, with breeds such as Soya Chandan, Lakha, Siraji, King, Jacobin and Golden Sweet drawing particular interest.
Other species available include Mynah, Dove, Parrot, Starling, Turkey, Quail, Budgerigar, Cockatiel, Lovebird and Prince.
The market developed gradually through the efforts of bird traders and enthusiasts rather than through any formal government initiative. Traders said they are not required to pay fees or tolls to conduct business there.
Shamim Hossain, a regular trader from Mohammadnagar in Batiaghata upazila, recently brought six pairs of Lakha and Jacobin pigeons to the market.
He said the marketplace offers a convenient environment for both buyers and sellers.
“Buyers and sellers can complete transactions freely here, and the prices are also reasonable,” he said.
Hasinur Rahman of Fultala, who has been involved in the business for nine years, said the market stands out because of its size and variety.
“Every Friday, I bring different varieties of pigeons, pet birds and cages, and the response from buyers is overwhelming,” he said.
For many visitors, the market is as much about recreation as it is about commerce.
Jahirul Farazi, a banker from Jessore, recently visited with his school-going son Anwar to explore the collection.
“We found a range of pigeons, including Lakha, Siraji, Homer, House Pouter, King Pouter, Ball Pigeon, Pencil Pouter, Lahori, Short Peach, Fillback, Russian Vogla Damla and Racer Homer,” he said.
Prices vary widely, starting at around Tk500 and going beyond Tk100,000, allowing buyers with different budgets to participate in the market.
Bashab Nandi, a pigeon trader from Jessore, started raising pigeons as a hobby before turning his passion into a full-time business.
He has been coming to Noyabati regularly for the past five years to collect new breeds.
“The variety is wide and prices are comparatively affordable, which makes this market an important trading centre,” he said.
The market has also become a meeting point for younger hobby breeders.
Rashedul Islam, an eighth-grade student, recently arrived with five pairs of quails to sell. He also planned to buy a new cage for his pet birds.
“Cage prices are higher in shops, so I prefer coming here for both buying and selling,” he said.
The Friday market's economic impact extends beyond bird trading.
Abdus Sobhan, a tea vendor in Khalishpur, said the crowds significantly increase his earnings.
“Usually, I earn around Tk800-900 a day, but on Friday, it rises to about Tk1,500,” he said.
For bird sellers, the market has become an important source of income. Jahangir Hossain said he has been making profits through bird sales at the weekly marketplace, while another trader, Md Raihan, said the business has helped him support his family.
The market’s growing reputation has also enabled traders to receive orders from buyers outside Khulna.
Nearby businesses have benefited as well. Local residents said the influx of visitors on Fridays has increased sales at tea stalls, grocery shops and other small establishments.
Khulna City Corporation Ward 10 Councilor-in-Charge Md Mustafizur Rahman described Noyabati as one of the largest bird markets in the Khulna division.
“Buyers and sellers from different parts of Khulna and neighbouring areas gather here every Friday, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the locality,” he said.
He said the market was also helping tea shops, grocery stores and other small businesses earn their livelihoods, and called for government patronage to develop and expand the marketplace.
What began as an informal gathering of bird lovers and traders has now become a weekly destination for commerce, recreation and community interaction.
Residents and traders believe the Noyabati Bird Market could grow further with better facilities and government support, potentially creating more opportunities for hobby breeders and small businesses while strengthening its position as a regional trading hub.
