When you step into the Rahmatganj Cattle Market, located at the Rahmatganj playground in the heart of old Dhaka, a sense of anticipation will grip you about all the sacrificial animals gathered for the occasion of Eid ul Azha. Amidst the lively atmosphere, some are looking for not just any breed of cows, but the prized 'buitta', white cows which hail from Mirkadim of Munshiganj. 

Gathering immense popularity, particularly among the Old Dhaka elites, these cows are renowned for their beautiful build, and premium quality meat that has a reputation for being tender. It also contains lesser fat than any other local breed. With a white coat with a subtle pink hue, these cows are quite the star attraction whenever they are at the Rahmatganj Cattle Market. There are also other cows from Mirkadim like the Nepali breeds, known for their impressive height, and Sindhi cows renowned for their vibrant array of colours. 

Photo: Palash Khan

"We take special care in raising these cows. There used to be numerous farms in Mirkadim supplying these breeds. Now, unfortunately, the number of farms has come down considerably. This is because of the high cost of fodder and maintenance needed. Still, when it comes to Eid ul Azha, we make sure to come to Dhaka as it has become a tradition that you will surely find Mirkadim cows if you come to the Rahmatganj Cattle Market," said Mohiuddin Sarkar, a cattle trader at the 'haat'.

For the elite families of Old Dhaka, sacrificing a Mirkadim cow serves not only a religious obligation but also fulfils a cherished family tradition. The exclusivity and legacy associated with these cows contribute to their high demand.

"Every year before Eid, we come to this 'haat' to look for cows from Mirkadim. I especially love the white cows as they look quite majestic, and are very calm in nature. While the Mirkadim cows are not seen in large quantities like before, residents of old Dhaka like us still look out for them as celebrating Eid without a Mirkadim cow just will feel incomplete," said Md Faisal, a resident of Azimpur who came to Rahmatganj Cattle Market looking solely for the Mirkadim breed.

Photo: Palash Khan

In previous years, you could have bought a Mirkadim cow for as low as Tk 80,000 but as prices of everything have increased, the Mirkadim cows are not an exception.

"The price of any Mirkadim cow will depend on its weight and variety, as they already belong to a very superior breed of cows. A cow weighing 3 maunds (37 kg = 1 maund) will start from Tk 150,000 and more, with bigger cows fetching even higher prices," said a representative from Mirkadim Agro at Munshiganj. 

Photo: Palash Khan

Irrespective of the high prices, Dhaka's inhabitants are passionate about their customs and will surely not miss the chance to relish the exceptional quality and taste of Mirkadim cows. The Rahmatganj Cattle Market serves as a bridge connecting farmers and consumers ensuring that this tradition continues.