Bohonishikha Sangeet Niketan Inc. Victory Day, Traditional Pitha Festival, and Cultural Celebration

December 29, 2024, Sunday A special cultural event was held at the Jewish Center in Jackson Heights, New York, to celebrate the greatness, independence, and heritage of the Bangladesh. The main organizer of the event was Bohonishikha Sangeet Niketan Inc., and it featured an exceptional celebration of Victory Day alongside a traditional Pitha festival.

The program began with the hosts, Munmun and Runa Saha, and the founder and president of the organization, Dr. Sabita Das. They welcomed the attendees and kicked off the event. They discussed the significance of Victory Day, the historical importance of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, and paid tribute to the traditional Bengali Pitha culture. She remarked, “Such events help preserve our history and heritage.”

The chief guest for the event was Steven Raga, a member of the New York State Assembly, who spoke about the sacrifices made by the people of Bangladesh. He emphasized the importance of such cultural events in preserving our heritage and history. Other speakers included social worker and community leader Professor Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, prominent businessman, social worker, and editor of Azkal newspaper Shah Newaz, social worker and community leader Dr. Prabhat Chandra Das, freedom fighter and Challenge I Bureau Chief for North America Rashed Ahmed, President of Sector Commanders Forum - Liberation War ’71 USA branch and freedom fighter Lablu Ansar, and Vice President and freedom fighter Abul Bashar Chunnu.

The speakers highlighted that the Liberation War was an unforgettable chapter in Bengali history, where the freedom fighters sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence. They not only fought in the war but also preserved the spirit of national freedom. After the war, their sacrifices and struggles continue to inspire and unite the nation. They will forever remain immortal in the hearts of the Bengali people. The speakers also discussed the cultural heritage of Bengal and the significance of the Pitha festival.
The event featured a spectacular program of dance, music, poetry recitation, and instrumental performances. In the dance segment, 17 talented dancers participated, including Srijita Hia, Adrika Sen Bhowmik, Raiyasi Biswas, Asmita Mondal, and many others. These performers beautifully expressed the spirit of victory and Bengali heritage through their captivating performances.
Poetry recitations about victory and Bengali heritage were delivered by both young and senior poets, including Agami Prithviraj Sen, Rupanti Saha, Ark Ghosh, Athra Ghosh, Durjay Bhadra, Pranti Bhadra, and Saubhik Ray Chowdhury. Their recitations presented the nation’s victory and the richness of Bengali literature in a fresh and creative way.

In the music segment, Dr. Sabita Das, Runa Roy, Julie Khastegir, Imon Biswas, Shila Chanda, and others performed classical music, Rabindra Sangeet, and Nazrul Geeti.
One of the major attractions of the day was the Pitha Festival, which showcased traditional pithas from various regions of Bangladesh. Some of the most loved items included Puli, Rokamcheki, Patishapta, Churma, and other delicacies, all of which were served to the guests. These dishes highlighted the rural life and cultural heritage of Bengal.
Additionally, a drawing showcase was organized, with about 50 young artists participating. Among them were Agami Prithviraj Sen, Rupanti Saha, Purna Saha, Ark Ghosh, Kaushik Ahmed, and Purna De, who contributed their creativity and helped make the event even more vibrant.
At the closing ceremony, the hosts wished everyone a Happy New Year and encouraged greater participation in such cultural events in the future. Bohonishikha Sangeet Niketan Inc.’s celebration of Victory Day and the traditional Pitha Festival not only commemorated the occasion but also became a symbol of cultural unity. The event proved to be an unforgettable cultural experience, celebrating both Victory Day and Bengali heritage.