Grand Celebration of Bangla New Year and Pitha Festival by Probashi Sherpur District Association in New York
The Probashi Sherpur District Association USA organized a vibrant and heartfelt celebration of Bangla New Year alongside a traditional Pitha festival, filled with cultural warmth, joy, and community spirit. The event was held on April 25 at the Nabanno Party Hall in Jackson Heights, New York City, turning into a lively reunion of expatriates from Sherpur district.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of around 28 to 29 varieties of traditional Bangladeshi pithas. The menu included Chitoi Pitha, Tel Pitha, Bhapa Pitha, Patishapta, Gota Pitha, Payesh Pitha, Naru Pitha, Kala Pitha, Coconut Bora Pitha, Khir Pitha, Tal Pitha, Lobongo Pitha, Sandesh Pitha, Jhal Pitha, Ful Pitha, Chapri Pitha, Chira Pitha, Moya Pitha, and Semai Pitha, among others. The diverse collection of sweets and snacks reflected the rich culinary heritage of rural Bengal.
The event was presided over by Engineer Prodosh Chakraborty, President of the organization, while General Secretary Samedul Haque conducted the program. The chief guest speaker was the organization’s chief advisor, journalist Md. Abul Kashem.
In his speech, he highlighted that pitha festivals are an inseparable part of rural Bangladeshi culture. He noted that for generations, people from all walks of life used to celebrate this seasonal tradition together during the harvest months of Agrahayan and Poush. He expressed concern that this tradition is gradually fading in modern life and emphasized the importance of organizing such festivals abroad to preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
Several other distinguished guests also addressed the gathering, including Festival Committee Convener Nahid Raihan Likhan, Chief Coordinator Mamun Rashid, Senior Vice President Akhtaruzzaman, Advisor Abdul Hamid, Former President Jannat Rahman, Dr. Shibli, former president of Jamalpur Association Zillur Rahman, Rana Raihan, Treasurer Rakibul Islam Russell, and Rekha Zaman Chowdhury, among others.
The cultural segment of the program featured poetry recitations by Mamun Rashid and Rana Raihan. Popular singers Shah Mahbub and Shamim Reza enthralled the audience with folk songs from different regions of Bangladesh, adding a musical touch to the festive atmosphere.
The event received strong support from Rekha Zaman Chowdhury, Rupchan Mia, Masud Parvez Mukta, Gautam Chakraborty, Asmaul Husna Lira, Shahiuddin Mia Shimul, and others. Prominent Sherpur-based businessman Lutfur Rahman was also present at the celebration.
