A 'Deshi' Market
Photo: Prabir Das
Doyel Chattar — a more or less familiar and a popular place for all. However, for those who don't know, Doyel Chattar is basically situated in front of the Curzon Hall, Dhaka University, with two big symbolic magpies (our national bird). But the place is mostly famous for its outstanding markets of our indigenous artefacts.
There are more than 30 to 40 shops near the Doyel Chattar, with large collections of homespun decor artefacts. Wooden products like lampshades, plates, toys, photo frames, glasses, jewellery — and more! Earthen products like pottery, flower vases, small banks, glasses, toys, different types of pots, wall mats, along with decor items made of jute, cane, plastic and bamboo are also in plenty — carpet, artificial flowers, bags, shikas, dolls, snakes, baskets, sofa, cradle and so much more.
The history of the market is a bit antecedent. According to many shopkeepers, the market has been there for the last 30 years. Though primarily, the number of shops was less, eventually, the market has become popular for gifts and home decor. In view of this, the market is still popular to Dhakaites for its good quality products with a variety of designs.
"I have been here for the last 25 years", says Muhammad Shahidullah, a 62-year-old shopkeeper. "My products are basically wooden, jute and bamboo made", he adds. He usually brings his products at wholesale rate from Jessore, Bogra and Comilla.
"Usually, I sell a large size jute carpet at 1200 takas, bamboo made baskets at 200-300 takas depending on the size, jute made dolls at 40 takas, cradle 500 takas and small toys at 20 takas", he explains. According to him, as the price is reasonable here, people usually feel comfortable to buy from him and the other shopkeepers in the area. Most of the time, many wholesalers buy these products from him and sell to the aristocrats of the city.
Rafiqul Islam (35), another shopkeeper has a big collection of pottery with approximately 60-70 items. He is actually looking after his father's business as his father is one of the oldest businessmen around. "We have earthen products like flower vases, wall mats, pots, small banks, jewellery and showpieces", says Islam. "We usually bring our products from Patuakhali and Shariatpur based on the direct connection with the potters, also some items are from Savar and many other areas of the country."
On a regular basis, a large number of customers crowd here for the exclusive hand made products. These decor items are mainly bought for homes and offices. Also, women come here to buy their wooden and earthen jewellery and different types of bags made of jute, and also for household materials. As there are different toys for children, the market has turned into a place of reunions between old friends of all ages and lifestyle. But during Phalgoon, Pahela Baishakh or other occasions, the businessmen earn most of their profits.
"I have bought two big flower vases today for our drawing room and a set of wooden jewellery", says 22-year-old Afroza Akter, a 3rd year student of Department of Bengali at Eden College. "I think the price is very reasonable here compared to other markets in the city and the quality is obviously good", she adds.
"Every day, when I return home from office, I usually stop here to see what's new", says 30-year-old Abdus Sobhan, a very jolly minded service holder at a private company. "If I find something that is new and attractive, I tell my wife and then come here to buy those things during off days and weekends", he explains.
The crowd at Doyel Chattar has always been a happy one, ever since the establishment of the market. The traditional handwork, designs and colours still manage to attract the attention of the Dhakaites, simply because they have a deshi touch to them!
Comments