The 18th National Pitha Festival, one of the country’s popular winter festivities, began on Thursday at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital.
The National Pitha Festival Celebration Council, in collaboration with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and sponsored by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, has organised the flagship festival.
The 10-day festival was inaugurated at 5:00pm by Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki as the chief guest. Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, presided over the opening ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mostafa Sarwar Farooki emphasised the role of cultural festivals in shaping a nation’s identity. “Across Bangladesh, we are witnessing a surge in festivals, be it Pitha festivals, Baul music, rock, rap, theatre, or film events—all organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy; and these initiatives showcase our culture, breaking stereotypes and demonstrating the richness of our heritage. Pitha, an integral part of our tradition, holds the power to bring people together and share our cultural narrative on a broader scale.”
Syed Jamil Ahmed highlighted the importance of making cultural programs more accessible. “Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is committed to promoting people-centric practices. Instead of limiting discussions within closed seminar halls, we are bringing cultural activities to open spaces to connect with the public, and this Pitha Festival is a prime example of such efforts.”
Ekushey Padak recipient and renowned dance artist Amanul Haque, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation Kamal Bayezid; cultural activists Zakir Hossain Rokon and Liakat Ali from the JASAS Central Committee, and spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Umama Fatema were also present at the event.
The Academy Secretary Mohammad Warez Hossain also delivered remarks while Khandaker Shah Alam, Member Secretary of the National Pitha Festival Celebration Council 1431, served as the host of the event.
The festival also features a vibrant cultural programme each day from 4:00pm onwards, including drama, recitations, dance, and musical performances. Visitors can indulge in a variety of traditional pithas, reflecting the diverse culinary artistry of Bangladesh.
The 10-day event will continue daily from 3:00pm to 9:00pm until 8 February at Shilpakala premises.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
