16th Jatiya Pitha Utsab begins today

The 16th edition of ‘Jatiya Pitha Utsab 1429’ (National Cake Festival) will begin today on the premises of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) in Segun Bagicha of the capital.

Pitha Utsab Udjapan Parishad, in association with BSA, has organised the event to give the urban people a taste of winter delicacies with traditional pithas (cakes).

Around 50 stalls have been set up for showcasing and making of various kinds of pithas. The festival is featuring about 200 types of pithas from different parts of the country. The types of pithas include Malpoya, Malai, Bhapa, Kuli, Rosh Phul, Khejur Finni, Bhajapuri, Kola Pitha, Pati Sapta, Rosh Golap, Nakshi Pitha, Pantua, Ilish Pitha, Jhinuk Pitha, Puli Pitha, Dudh Chitai, Mug Pakon and Hriday Haran, among others.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid will inaugurate the ten-day festival as chief guest, while noted theatre personalities Ataur Rahman, Nritya Shilpi Amanul Haque, singer Rafiqul Alam will be present as special guests. Presided over by BSA Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky, the inaugural ceremony was also attended by Pitha Utsab Udjapan Parishad president M Hamid, general secretary Khandakar Shah Alam and BSA Secretary Salauddin Ahmed.

The festival is supported by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Square Food & Beverage Limited.

The festival is open to all from 3pm to 9pm, until January 28.