Although winter has only begun to make its presence felt with the first cool breeze of Agrahayan, the quilt and bedding market in front of the Gaibandha Press Club at the historic Kachari Bazar is already bustling with activity. Rows of colorful quilts, the familiar smell of cotton, and the rhythmic sound of craftsmen at work signal the arrival of the winter season long before the mercury dips further.
In the early hours of Saturday, this correspondent spoke with Md. Abdul Latif Mia, proprietor of Trisha Bedding House, the largest quilt, mattress, and cotton seller in Gaibandha.
“Winter has just started, but sales will increase significantly within a week once the cold intensifies,” he said. “Our best-selling items are 6-ft and 7-ft quilts made with high-quality karpas cotton, priced between Tk 2,000 and Tk 2,100.”
At Bismillah Bedding Store, another well-known shop in the same market, similar quilts are being sold for Tk 1,900–2,000, drawing early customers who were seen inspecting the softness and quality of the cotton. Sellers expect sales to double once the full force of winter arrives.
Nearby, Dales Bedding, a smaller shop beside the Press Club, offers competitive prices.
“I sell at lower prices than the big shops because my expenses are low,” the owner said with a smile. “All items are available here. Six- and seven-foot quilts are priced between Tk 1,900 and 1,950, and without a cover, quilts cost Tk 1,400–1,550.”
At Dulal Bedding Store, owner Dulal said, “Prices are almost the same everywhere, but big shops attract more crowd. Yet, many times we sell at lower prices than them. Unfortunately, customers can’t always tell the difference.” He offers standard cotton quilts for Tk 1,100–1,200, keeping low-budget families in mind.
The streets surrounding the Gaibandha Press Club remain lively as shoppers flock in the afternoon and evening. Piles of cotton, colorful covers, and cheerful vendors give the market a festive look.
A short distance away, near the tennis court, veteran quilt maker Md. Mojibor Rahman, who has been in the trade for 32 years, shared his experience: “We earn Tk 300–350 for making each quilt. If we work continuously from morning till night, we can make 2–3 quilts a day. Orders will rise as the temperature drops.”
Another skilled craftsman, Syed Ebraha, working near the tennis ground, said Kachari Bazar remains the largest quilt-selling hub in Gaibandha. “From here, quilts are supplied to different upazilas. Compared to Rangpur, the labor cost for making quilts is lower in Gaibandha,” he said.
According to him, sales have already begun in Sundarganj, Sadullapur, and Palashbari, with prices remaining the same as last year.
Quilt seller Yakub Ali and craftsman Yasin pointed out a new trend in the market. “People now buy fewer quilts because blankets have taken over the market. Still, those who understand the comfort of soft cotton quilts continue to prefer them,” they remarked.
As winter fog waits to descend, the market is already warming up with customers. Sellers and craftsmen are hopeful— “The colder it gets, the livelier the quilt market will become.”
