Gulistan is like a meeting place for pigeon lovers

In the scorching heat, amidst the intensity of the sun's rays, attention is diverted to the colorful pigeons nestled in cages along the road. The pigeon market, nestled beneath the Gulistan Hanif flyover, is akin to a gathering of devoted pigeon enthusiasts. Every Friday, starting from 8 am, this bustling market unfolds along both sides of the road in the Kaptan Bazar area under the Hanif flyover.

Pigeon enthusiasts from various corners of the capital city, Dhaka, flock here to showcase and trade their diverse pet pigeon species.

This vibrant marketplace, teeming with the hustle and bustle of buyers and sellers, continues its lively activity until 5 pm.

Renowned as the oldest and largest pigeon market in the city, it draws visitors from near and far, eager to acquire their preferred pigeons.

Along the streets of Kaptan Bazar, individuals can be observed seated with cages brimming with pigeons, while others stand beside bicycles, motorcycles, and vans adorned with their feathered companions. Buyers traverse great distances to partake in this unique avian exchange.

Upon conversing with both buyers and sellers at the Gulistan pigeon market, it becomes evident that the market's allure lies in its diverse offerings of pigeons at varying price points and qualities. Priced from as low as Tk. 400 per pair to as high as Tk. 20,000 per pair, the market caters to a wide range of budgets, ensuring its bustling atmosphere.

Enthusiasts flock to this market for its assortment of pigeon breeds, including Milli Racer, Siraji, Bombay, Sabuj Gol, Laksha, Grizzle, Bogdadi, Sabzi Racer, Army, Giribaz, Potter (white, black, and yellow), Jaga Pin, and other domestic breeds.

For instance, Milli Racer pigeons fetch prices ranging from Tk. 1200 to Tk. 1500, Lahori Sirazi from Tk. 500 to Tk. 3000, Bombay from Tk. 500 to Tk. 700, Laksha from Tk. 1000 to Tk. 1500, Grizel Racer at Tk. 1500, and Bogdadi Homa from Tk. 800 to Tk. 1500 per pair. Additionally, prices vary based on factors such as breed, size, shape, and color.

Green round pigeons, for example, can be acquired for prices between Tk. 500 and Tk. 5000 per pair, while army racers command prices ranging from Tk. 4000 to Tk. 20,000 per pair, as revealed by sellers at the Gulistan Pigeon Haat. Currently, pigeon prices have plummeted, according to traders who remark that what was once a high-value commodity now holds little worth in the market.

Gopal Ghosh, a pigeon enthusiast from Jatrabari with 36 years of experience, reflects on the drastic change. Initially, he pursued pigeon keeping as a hobby but found himself deeply invested over time. However, he laments the lack of respect for the birds in today's market. Ghosh recalls selling a pair of Kala Beauty pigeons for Tk. 50,000 to Tk. 65,000 just two years ago, whereas today they fetch a mere Tk. 2000 to Tk. 3000. He attributes this price decline to the sudden drop following an increase in pigeon food costs, possibly exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.

Similarly, Monir Hossain, a resident of Sanarpar, shares his experience. Since 1996, alongside his profession as a job holder, he has been passionately raising pigeons. For him, pigeon breeding evolved from a hobby to a livelihood, enabling him to build a home and acquire assets like motorcycles.

Despite the challenges, Monir finds fulfillment in pigeon rearing, dedicating his time and effort to the craft, which has proven lucrative enough to fund his ventures.

Abir Rahman, a student from Khilgaon, traveled to Rajasthan to explore pigeon acquisitions. He reveals that his current collection boasts 150 pairs of pigeons, valued between Tk. 2,50,000 to Tk. 3,00,000 in the market. Despite his sizable collection, Abir expresses a desire to venture into acquiring more expensive pigeons, hence his visit to the market. The pigeon he holds, an Army Racer, was acquired for Tk. 5,500, exemplifying his evolving interest and dedication to pigeon breeding. Abir admits that his passion for pigeons has become akin to an addiction, consuming much of his time, replacing former interests like chatting with friends.
While traders at the Haat remained tight-lipped on the matter, some anonymously shared concerns regarding the Haat system. These undisclosed businessmen confided in Barta24.com, highlighting the financial burden imposed on traders. Allegedly, regardless of sales, traders are obligated to pay Tk. 100 to Tk. 150 per cage to the lessee for market space, causing undue strain. Additionally, buyers are purportedly required to pay a 10% commission to the lessee based on the pigeon's price, as divulged by traders.

Traders present at the market lamented to Barta24.com that due to ongoing mismanagement, the number of buyers and sellers at the capital's oldest and largest pigeon market is dwindling day by day. However, attempts to address these issues directly with the lessee proved unsuccessful, as they could not be reached for comment. Similarly, the toll collector, acting on behalf of the lessee, declined to provide any insight into the matter when approached for an interview.