Vendors in Cumilla have been selling a variety of iftar items, drawing large crowds from the afternoon onwards. Photo: BSS

CUMILLA, Feb 22, 2026 (BSS) - The city’s iftar markets are bustling with festive energy as observance for the holy month of Ramadan are in full swing. 

From the first day of fasting, vendors across Cumilla have been selling a variety of iftar items, drawing large crowds from afternoon onwards. Popular items often sell out nearly an hour before iftar.

On Thursday (Feb 19), the first day of Ramadan, vendors in areas including Kandirpar, New Market, Rajganj, Ranibazar, Chawk Bazar, Moghaltuli, Ramghat, Tomshom Bridge, and Paduar Bazar set up stalls offering a wide range of iftar items from midday.

Visiting several areas, it was found that shoppers are arriving around 3 pm, with the crowd swelling further after Asar prayers.The busiest time is about half an hour before iftar, as everyone hurries to buy their iftar items and return home.

This year, the highest demand is seen for Halim, Mashkalai, and shahi jalebi. 

Other popular items Chickpea, puffed rice, fry items, different typesof kababs, chicken fry, borhani, firni, shahi zarda,beef and mutton dishes.

In Kandirpar and Rajganj, restaurants and street vendors cook halim in large pots, filling the air with fragrant steam. 

Rasel Hasan, a resident of Sujanagar, said, “Every year, I come to Kandirpar to buy iftar. Special halim made from beef, chicken, and mutton is available. My family loves halim. Iftar feels like incomplete without it.”

Sohag Mia, buying iftar at a floating stall in Rajganj, said, “Iftar is comparatively cheaper here. However, prices are slightly higher than last year, and no item is below 10 taka.”

Mobarok Hossain, purchasing iftar items in Chawk Bazar, said, “There is a special joy in buying iftar here. Most items are priced the same as last year, though some have slightly increased.”

Vendors noted that rising prices of essential goods have affected iftar items as well. 

Md Bipul, a vendor in Chawk Bazar, said, “People start arriving after Asr prayers. The crowd grows about an hour before iftar. Items like piyaju, chola, muri, beguni, and jalebi sell the most.”

Md Selim Munshi, manager of China Garden Restaurant in Kandirpar’s Planet SR area, said, “During Ramadan, we prepare around 100 items daily. Halim in beef, chicken, and mutton varieties is sold at equal prices. Maintaining quality according to customer demand is our priority.”

Cumilla’s iftar markets remains festive and vibrant since the first day of Ramadan, from floating stalls in narrow alleys to large restaurants. Vendors expect crowds to increase daily from midday to Maghrib throughout the month, maintaining this lively atmosphere.