Netizens in the capital observed a joyful Wednesday as Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) celebrated the festive occasion of Pahela Falgun with its "Bawshonto Utsab" through jovial arrangements.

Concurrently, the esteemed national cultural organization also bid farewell to its much-acclaimed 'Jatiya Pitha Utshab 1430' (National Rice Cake Festival) on Wednesday.

The festivities of the day began with a special dance recital titled 'Bawshanto Nrittyo' in the capital's Ramna Park at 3:30 pm with 225 dance artists. A festive procession was then brought out towards the BSA premises after that, joined by an approximate number of 300 artists representing different cultural genres.

Minister of Housing and Public Works RAM Obaidul Muktadir Chowdhury joined the 'Bawshonto Utshab' as the chief guest. Cultural Affairs Secretary Khalil Ahmed was the special guest at the festivities.

The cultural event on the open premises of the academy then featured enthralling musical performances, poetry recitations, dance recitals, and choreography of spring-themed Bengali fashion, presented by the country's esteemed artists from 4:30 pm onwards.

After enthralling the audiences with the festive offerings, BSA organised the concluding and prize-giving ceremony of this year's 'Jatiya Pitha Utshab' at the open premises of the academy from 8:30 pm.

Cultural Affairs Secretary Khalil Ahmed joined the event as its chief guest, while eminent dance artist Amanul Haque and renowned culinary maestro Rahima Sultana Rita joined as the special guests.

Due to the demand of visitors and the request of the 'pitha' lovers across the city, this year's festival, which was initially supposed to be concluded on February 10, was extended till February 14.

Since January 31, under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the festival, being held simultaneously in 64 districts across the country, has received a great response in the capital and districts.

Pitha artists from remote areas of the country and district upazilas have also participated in this year's festival at BSA in the capital, displaying their rice cake crafts in 50 stalls.