KHULNA, March 7, 2025 (BSS) - Iftar markets across the city are witnessing a
huge rush every day during the holy month of Ramadan as city dwellers
flocking to makeshift roadside stalls and hotels to buy their favourite
ready-made iftar items.

Soon after Zuhr prayers, the makeshift haleem shop on South Central Road,
well-known as 'Nana Haleem,' turns into a bustling hub for fasting Muslim
devotees.

On Thursday afternoon, while visiting the area, this reporter saw two large
pots of traditional haleem placed on the footpath in front of the Government
Pioneer Women's College, where customers were queuing to buy iftar items,
including 'Nana Haleem'.

A large bowl of 'Nana haleem' is selling at Taka 1,200 while the smallest
quarter-box portion is priced at Taka 100.

Akhlak Hossain, a resident of the city's Boyra area, came to Nana Haleem's
stall specifically for its unique taste. "We usually prepare iftar at home,
but for items like haleem and jilapi, we sometimes visit these mobile stalls.
Nana Haleem has a distinct flavor that sets it apart from the others," he
added.

Talking to BSS, Md Hazrat Ali, owner of 'Nana Haleem', said, "I have been
selling this haleem every Ramadan since 1992. There are no adulterants in my
haleem, that's why it is so popular."

A tour around the city revealed a vibrant iftar markets in full swing, with
vendors calling out to customers and a colorful array of mouth-watering
dishes on display. People from all walks of life were seen browsing different
stalls and selecting their favourite items.

Besides Khulna's traditional iftar hotspots, new bustling markets have
emerged this year, including the Zia Hall premises at Shibbari Square, a
lively iftar hub in the city.

Key iftar market locations in the city include Dakbangla intersection, Sonali
Bank Square, Ferry Ghat intersection, Picture Palace, Power House, Moylapota,
Shibbari, South Central Road, Shantidham, Boyra Bazar, and Gollamari Bridge
areas. Seasonal vendors have set up stalls along almost every street,
offering a wide variety of iftar delicacies.

Popular iftar items such as piyaju, beguni, meat chops, samosa, potato chops,
puffed rice, egg chops, vegetable fritters, chickpeas, haleem, kababs, naan,
paratha, rolls, chicken fry, jilapi, faluda, and lacchi are being sold at
these bustling markets.

The price of iftar items varies from vendor to vendor. Chickpeas are selling
at Taka 150-160 per kilogram, piyaju and beguni at Taka 5-10 per piece,
potato chops at Taka five per piece, large egg chops at Taka 15-20 per piece,
kababs and shashlik at Taka 50-100 per piece, chicken chops at Taka 20-30 per
piece, chicken lollipops at Taka 30 per piece, fish cutlets at Taka 30 per
piece, coconut puli at Taka 10 per piece, shrimp chops at Taka 20-25 per
piece, shahi jilapi at Taka 180-200 per kg, reshmi jilapi at Taka 320-340 per
kg, and shahi haleem at Taka 500-600 per kg.

Refreshing beverages are also a highlight of the iftar markets. Various drink
stalls at Dakbangla and Gollamari areas are offering colorful drinks.

Different types of falooda, including strawberry and mango flavors, are
priced between Taka 80-120. A half-liter of lassi costs Taka 120 while a
half-liter of mattha is priced at Taka 70. Special lemon juice is available
for Taka 20 per glass while wood apple juice is sold for Taka 30 per glass.

It is found that Gollamari offers slightly lower prices for iftar items
compared to other markets in the city.

Ferry Ghat intersection is one of the largest iftar markets in the city.
Humayun Kabir, a private sector employee from Sonadanga, visited the market
to purchase hot and fresh Shahi Jilapi.

He said, "Jilapi is one of our family's favorite iftar items. I usually buy
it from here, but today I also picked up some haleem and chicken chops."

As Ramadan progresses, Khulna's iftar markets continue to thrive, offering an
irresistible blend of tradition, affordability and mouth-watering flavors for
residents across the city.