Atlanta Pitha Utsav displays potpourri of culture

Bangladeshi foundation of Atlanta, Georgia preserved and promoted the culinary culture and tradition for the eleventh year by organising the Pitha Utsav on January 20 at Berkmer High School. Pitha occupies a special place in the heart of Bengalis and it has been an age-old tradition to make varieties of pithas, particularly during this winter season.It was once a familiar picture in the rural and urban households that the air thickened with the aroma of khejurer rosh (dates fury). This rich tradition is slowly disappearing from urban life but Atlanta Bangladeshi Foundation in United States arranged the festival to keep alive the rich old tradition and culture and enjoy the delicious pithas at the Utsav along with the musical evening on the day.
Pitha Utsav presented the Atlanta residents a taste of traditional winter in the city, dwelling place of several thousand non- resident Bengalis - a perfect treat for them at home away from home. Dr Muhammad Ali Manik, president of the foundation, Ashim Saha, general secretary presided over the occasion. Apart from the grandeur, the shape, the smell and color of the pithas the visitors are being entertained with traditional songs and dances presented by artists from across the city. The notable presentation was by Atlanta based band "MADOL". The band was led by their vocalist Surojit Bandhopadhyay and supported by Apala Sen, Piya Sengupta, Arindam Chowdhury, Arup Dhar, Byasdeb Saha on various instruments. They presented an evening of enthralling music ranging from Lalon, Jhumur, Dhamali, Kirtan to many popular Bengali Folk songs. To name a few are Sob Loke koy lalon ki jaat, Maharaja tomare Selam, Tomra Kunjo Sajao go, Madhu hoi hoi. Other programs attracted audience attraction were kids Rabindrik dance, Adhunik songs by Rommel Khan.
Rosh Phul, Khejur Kinni, Bhajapuri, Bou Pitha, Kola Pitha, Rosh Golap, Nakshi Pitha, Ilish Pitha, Jhinuk Pitha, Puli Pitha, Dudh Chitai, Hriday Haran were among the few names of traditional pithas being sold at the Utsav stalls. The combination of traditional Bengali folk songs, dance, sarees and jewelry stalls and other snack items besides the mouth-watering pithas at the venue created a pleasing ambiance of festivity.