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Embracing the rich tradition of pitha fest

Published : Thursday, 8 February, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 250
Mahmuda Begum Sinthia
In Bangladesh, pitha is like a special treasure that represents our food and culture. Its not just a regular food for us; its full of wonderful memories.When I was growing up, winter was a time to see my mother, grandmother and aunts making pithas in our kitchen. They would shape them into different sizes and tell us stories about where each type of pitha came from. Sometimes, wed wake up to the delicious smell of warm chitoi pitha for breakfast, which wed enjoy with spicy mangsher jhol.

Pitha isn just about eating; its about sharing stories, traditions, and the warmth of family. Its a delicious reminder of our heritage and the simple joys of life.

However, nowadays Pitha Fest stands as a magnificent testament to the essence of Bangladeshi culture, deeply intertwined with the nations culinary heritage. As the crisp winter air begins to wane and the vibrant colors of Poush-Magh fade into memory, communities across Bangladesh come together in joyous celebration to partake in the age-old tradition of Pitha Fest.

At the heart of Pitha Fest lies the cherished practice of pitha-making, a culinary art passed down through generations with unwavering dedication and love. These handmade delicacies, crafted with meticulous care and skill, represent a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and aromas that are quintessentially Bangladeshi. From the rustic allure of Pati Shapta to the exquisite simplicity of Chitoi with Bhorta buffet, each pitha carries with it a story of tradition, heritage, and community.

What truly sets Pitha Fest apart is its ability to transcend the confines of urban life and transport participants to a world steeped in the warmth and nostalgia of rural Bangla. As families gather around hearths and outdoor stoves to prepare these savory treats, there is a palpable sense of camaraderie and shared history that permeates the air. It is a time to reconnect with ones roots, to honor the traditions of our ancestors, and to revel in the simple pleasures of life.

However, in recent years, the relentless march of urbanization has posed a threat to the survival of traditional pithas, relegating them to the realms of nostalgia rather than active culinary practice. It is in this context that events like Pitha Fest take on added significance, serving as bastions of tradition and guardians of cultural heritage. At my teaching institution Imperial International School, Dhaka (IISD) have taken up the mantle of preserving this rich legacy by organizing annual Pitha Fests, where students showcase their culinary prowess and pay homage to the flavors of rural Bangla.

As visitors weave their way through the festively adorned stalls, their senses are greeted by a symphony of aromas and flavors that evoke memories of childhood and days gone by. From the tantalizing sweetness of Maalpoya to the comforting warmth of Bhapa, each pitha offers a glimpse into the diverse culinary landscape of Bangladesh, steeped in tradition and steeped in love.

Yet, Pitha Fest is more than just a culinary extravaganza; it is a celebration of Bangladeshi identity and a testament to the resilience of its people. In an age marked by rapid change and globalization, events like Pitha Fest serve as anchors, grounding us in the timeless traditions that define us as Bangalees. They remind us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations and of the power of food to unite, inspire, and nourish both body and soul.

As we savor each mouthful of our favorite pithas, let us take a moment to appreciate the generations of Bangalees who have kept this tradition alive through their unwavering dedication and passion.Pitha brings back memories of happiness and parties, especially during the cozy winter season. During weddings, which often happen in winter, pitha becomes a big deal. Let us celebrate the richness of our culinary heritage and the vibrant tapestry of flavors that make Bangladesh truly unique. Pitha Fest is not just a festival; it is a celebration of life, love, and the enduring spirit of Bangladeshi culture. For us, pitha is more than just food. Its a mix of great cooking, tradition, and fun times.

The writer is a teacher at Imperial International School, Dhaka (IISD)


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