Winter carnival
This unique occasion, filled with activities for the young and old, was held at Narigrantha Prabartana--widely known as the handicraft shop. The spectators enjoyed thoroughly the games, music, arts, crafts, delicious food, aromatic and Binni rice and - of course - pies, pies, pies! It was jointly organised by Adda--an organisation for women and Sashya Prabartana. The three-day programme, which began on the 4th of this month warmly welcomed the Pitha lovers in the chilly winter.
Speaking to the co-ordinator Sayida Akhter of Prabartana, she mentioned that more than 70 types of Pithas--Jhal, Pakan, Kul, Chaka, Golap, Lobongo Lotika, Muti, Bash Pata, Dudh Puli, Narikel Pitha and many more as well as 20 kinds of Binni with 47 types of aromatic rice were on display at 14 stalls. 'The objective of holding such event is not only to serve pies but also exhibit and preserve the various brands of paddy cultivated in the country.' Said Sayida. 'Bhapa and Rosh-er- bhija chitoy were the usual favourites while Mera Pitha--a ball only made of rice grains, was the most sought after'.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The sixty-seven varieties of rice produced in nine areas of the country--Mymensingh, Noakhali, Ishwardi, Kushtia, Cox's Bazar, Tangail, Bandarban, Birishiri Netrakona and Chapainawabganj were displayed on the occasion. The 20 varieties of Binni namely Agunia, Nedra, Kuchhia, Shada, Shugandhi, Kashi, Longpangduishada, Kakunia, Geng geng, Chandan, Ranga rice and many more became a big attraction because of its rare breed, remarked Sayida. She added more, saying, Binni becomes the centrepiece of assorted ingredients for a selection of mouth watering sweet dishes.
Even the very last day of the Pitha festival had hordes of people coming in and devouring this traditional item. Even though this yearly event has come to an end, pithas are still available for the season at Prabartana. Many of our cultural heritages like the pitha obsession still journeys along, tickling the taste buds with flavours of Rosh-ey bhija chitoy and Malai-e Patishapta.