Baghbazar Sakher Haat Byabasayee Welfare Samity is the largest and only pet haat (market) in India and Asia. The estimated age of this market is 276 years. It was originally located in the Elephant Garden Market area, where history records that Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah kept elephants used in wars. In this Elephant Garden, various types of animals, birds, trees, and even mice were kept by local people. The market for buying and selling these pets and other items started around 1747-1786.
By the year 1997, this Hatibagan market was relocated to the renowned Bagbazar by a well-known hat trader known as Well Fair Samatar. Today, Bagbazar Sakher Haat is considered one of the largest bazaars in Asia, with approximately 700-800 members selling various types of pets and their accessories. The scope of operations at Bagbazar Sakher Haat is no longer limited to pet sales alone.
HISTORY
Baghbazar Sakher Haat Byabasayee Welfare Samity is one of the largest pet markets in India and Asia. It traces its origins back to the reign of Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah, making it approximately 276 years old. The market initially started in the Hati Bagan Bazar area of Kolkata during Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah’s time when he used to keep his elephants in this garden. Every Sunday, local people would bring their pets for sale, including animals, birds, pigeons, trees, and colorful fish. This market, which began around 1747-48, became popularly known as Hatibagan Haat (Pet Market).In 1997, the haat was relocated to Galiff Street, Baghbazar, Kolkata – 700003. Over time, it became known as Baghbazar Sakher Haat Byabosayee Samity. Presently, the haat has around 750 members who sell various types of pets, such as birds, pigeons, colorful fish, trees, dogs, rabbits, and their accessories.Baghbazar Sakher Haat has expanded its scope beyond just pet sales. The organization now conducts various social and environmental programs, including blood donation camps, tree planting, eye check-up camps, and distribution of clothes and food among underprivileged children. They also celebrate Independence Day and are committed to fulfilling social responsibilities.
As Kalikata became settled, Sutanuti was gradually abandoned by the English as a place of residence. There remained, near its northernmost corner, Perin’s Garden, a pleasure resort, where once it was the height of gentility for the British East India Company’s covenanted servants to take their ladies for an evening stroll or moonlight fete. However, it was little frequented from around 1746 and by 1752 was sold for Rs. 25,000. Captain Perin was owner of several ships.[3] In 1754, Colonel C.F. Scott began manufacturing gunpowder at the garden.[2]
Shyambazar is a neighbourhood of North Kolkata, in Kolkata district in the Indian state of West Bengal. The area, under Shyampukur police station of Kolkata Police,[1] has been, along with neighbouring Bagbazar, the citadel of the Bengali aristocracy, in a part of what was earlier known as Sutanuti.[2] and the popularity of Shyambazer five point crossing is for the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.