Photo : BSS

KHULNA, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - An 80-year-old cook has been preserving a cherished Ramadan tradition in the city for more than three decades, drawing fasting residents each year with his signature halim.

Popularly known as "Nana Halim," Mohammad Hazrat Ali prepares and sells the traditional iftar item exclusively during the holy month of Ramadan. His temporary stall, set up on the footpath in front of Government Pioneer Women's College in Khulna, attracts customers of all ages who eagerly await the seasonal delicacy.

Hazrat Ali has been selling halim for about 31 years. However, due to age and health concerns, he has limited his activity to Ramadan over the past decade. Sales begin daily from around 2:00 pm and continue until just before iftar, with long queues forming hours in advance.

Despite his advanced age, Hazrat Ali still personally supervises the cooking process to ensure the taste and quality remain unchanged.

"I am not as strong as before," he told BSS. "My children are now well-established in their professions, and I also earn from a small fish farm. I prepare halim in Ramadan mainly for the fasting people. When everyone calls me 'Nana,' it brings me immense joy."

Prepared primarily with quality mutton and clarified butter, his halim is widely regarded as one of the most sought-after iftar items in the city. Depending on demand, between 100 and 150 kilograms are cooked daily, with production increasing on holidays.

Customers often start lining up from midday to secure their share. Prices have risen this year due to higher commodity costs, starting at Tk 200 per portion, while larger earthen pots are sold for up to Tk 1,800.

A team of nine people, including seven assistant cooks, supports the preparation, which begins as early as 7:00 am each day.

Hazrat Ali's journey began in the early 1990s after he lost his job at a factory in Chattogram. Later employed as a security guard at the college, he struggled to support his family and started selling halim from a van in 1993. Its distinctive taste quickly gained popularity through word of mouth, eventually enabling him to leave his job and focus entirely on the business.

Due to illness, he stopped selling halim year-round around 2010-11 and now prepares it only during Ramadan.

Local residents say the rich flavor, particularly the use of high-quality mutton, sets his halim apart from others available in the city.

Businessman Monirul Haque, a regular customer, said he buys the halim several times each Ramadan for his family. "Such delicious halim is rare. We wait for it every year," he added.

Abdus Salam, who runs a nearby photocopy shop, joins the team during Ramadan when his own business slows down. "At least we can earn some extra income during the fasting month by working with him," he added.

Over the years, 'Nana Halim' has evolved from a simple food stall into a seasonal symbol of Ramadan in Khulna, with many residents considering it an essential part of their iftar tradition.