'Jatiya Pitha Utsab-1426' (National Cake Festival) began on the premises of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on Sunday, February 23.

Jatiya Pitha Utsab Udjapan Parishad (Committee for National Cake Festival Celebration), alongside BSA, have jointly organised the festival to delight the city dwellers with the unbeatable tastes of traditional pithas (cakes).

Started back in January, 2008 for the first time- this year marks the 13th edition of this annual festival.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs K M Khalid inaugurated the 10-day festival as the Chief Guest. Honorary president of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) Ramendu Majumdar, Mancha Sarathi-famed veteran theatre activist Ataur Rahman, Bangladesh Nritya Shilpi Sangstha President Minu Haque attended the inaugural ceremony as the special guests, among others.

Presided over by BSA DG and Convenor of Jatiya Pitha Utsab Udjapan Parishad - 1426 Liaquat Ali Lucky, the Parishad President M Hamid attended the inauguration ceremony as the main speaker while member secretary Khandakar Shah Alam and BSA Secretary Badrul Anam Bhuiyan delivered the welcome speeches.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Square Food and Beverage Limited (SFBL) are jointly sponsoring this year's festival.

Generally held in January every year, the 13th edition had to be delayed because of the DNCC and DSCC Elections, said the organizers.

A total of 50 stalls representing 40 districts of Bangladesh, the 13th edition of this annual festival is featuring approximately 200 types of Pithas (cakes) at BSA premises from 3 pm to 9 pm till March 3, 2020.