Dhaka, Feb 24 (UNB): Jatiya Pitha Utsab (National Rice Cake Festival) began on the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) ground in Dhaka on Tuesday. One of the signature festivities to welcome and celebrate the season of spring in the capital, this year marks the 14th edition of this annual festival, organised by Jatiya Pitha Utsab Udjapan Parishad in collaboration with BSA.
KM Khalid, State Minister for Cultural Affairs, inaugurated the 10-day festival as the chief guest, while Ataur Rahman, ‘Mancha Sarathi’ famed eminent thespian and member of Awami League Advisory Council, and noted dance maestro Amanul Haque attended the inaugural ceremony as special guests.
Presided over by BSA director general Liaquat Ali Lucky, also the convenor of the festival committee, the inauguration ceremony was also attended by the committee’s president M Hamid.
Generally held in January every year, the 14th edition of the festival was deferred this year die to the Covid pandemic, according to the organisers.
A total of 50 stalls are showcasing more than 200 types of pithas (cakes) at the 14th Jatiya Pitha Utsab, representing 40 districts of Bangladesh.
The festival is open to all from 3 pm to 9 pm till March 4.
