Century-Old Village Market Sells Pigeons

Nestled along the banks of the Kirtinasha River, Bhojeshwar Market in Naria Upazila, Shariatpur, has been a hub for pigeon trade for over a century. Every Friday and Monday, traders and buyers from near and far gather to buy and sell a remarkable variety of pigeons, with weekly sales estimated between 3 to 4 million Bangladeshi taka.

The market is renowned not only for domestic pigeons but also for specialised breeds such as Giribaj, Siraji, Racing, Homer, Tippler, and Mayurpankhi. Prices vary according to age, size, and breed, with some pairs fetching up to 5,000 taka.

Bhojeshwar Market owes its origins to the British colonial period, when local landlords established it along the river for the convenience of riverine transport. Over time, the market became prominent throughout Shariatpur and Madaripur districts. While it primarily features agricultural products and everyday household goods, pigeons have remained a staple of trade for generations. Buyers come from Naria, Bhedarganj, and Sadar Upazilas in Shariatpur, as well as Kalkini, Sadar, and Shibchar Upazilas in Madaripur. Fridays are particularly busy, with sales peaking between dawn and early afternoon. In addition to pigeons, the market sells feed, cages, and equipment for pigeon rearing.

Market caretaker Nixon Khan said, “Bhojeshwar Market has everything from poultry and livestock to daily necessities, but the pigeon market is what draws the most attention. On the two main trading days each week, the pigeon trade alone generates between 30 and 40 lakh taka.”

Veteran trader Abdul Motaleb, 68, from Balakhana in Shariatpur Sadar, has been involved in the market for 40 years. “This market is historic,” he told reporters. “A pair of pigeons can cost anywhere between 500 and 5,000 taka depending on age, breed, and appearance. Weekly sales reach 30–40 lakh taka. I buy pigeons from across the country and sell them here and elsewhere. This trade has supported my family and funded my children’s education.”

Many local students have also built small pigeon farms, financing their education with the income from rearing birds. Rowshan Mahmud, a university student from Dinara, Naria, recalls starting as a child, accompanying his father to the market. “Every Friday I come to the market to buy or sell pigeons. My farm helps pay for my studies, and I continue the hobby that began in my childhood,” he said.

Adjacent to the pigeon stalls are shops selling feed, medicines, cages, and other farming equipment. Vendor Selim Hawladar explained, “Some buyers cannot attend the market days. We keep pigeons for them as well. Some buy for meat, some for breeding, and some purely for hobby. We cater to all types of customers.”

A snapshot of Bhojeshwar Market’s pigeon trade:

With its century-old heritage, diverse pigeon breeds, and vibrant trade, Bhojeshwar Market remains a living testament to rural commerce and culture, drawing crowds from across districts every week.