For over a week now, ripe mangoes have been spotted in fruit shops across Cox’s Bazar—despite being the tail end of the Bengali month of Chaitra. While mango vendors say the peak season begins in May and continues through June, early demand for the fruit has pushed prices higher than usual.
A visit to several local markets revealed ripe mangoes selling at Tk 320 per kilogram. Some customers buy despite the steep price, while others are walking away due to affordability concerns.
Bangladesh’s mango season typically stretches from May to September, with the highest supply during June and July. However, many consumers remain unsure which mango varieties appear in which month, leading to confusion and occasional overpricing.
Health experts, meanwhile, urge caution when consuming off-season mangoes, as they are often artificially ripened and may pose hygiene risks.
Traditionally, the Bengali month of Jaishtha is celebrated as Modhumash—the sweetest fruit-bearing month—but in Cox’s Bazar, mango madness seems to have arrived early.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Polash Shikdar
