Rajshahi Correspondent: Winter in rural Bengal is synonymous with the festival of pitha. The varieties of bhapa, puli, patishapta, or doodh pitha are not just delicacies; they embody culture, tradition, and the spirit of social bonding. Yet, with the wave of modernity, this heritage of pitha culture is slowly fading away, and many young people are forgetting its true essence. To revive this nearly forgotten tradition among the new generation, a praiseworthy initiative was recently undertaken in Mohanpur, Rajshahi.

On Thursday, August 21, Mahabbatpur High School, with the overall cooperation of GCC Bangladesh, organized a day-long training workshop and prize-giving ceremony under the project titled “Community Engagement and Student Empowerment in Reviving Traditional Pitha Culture.”

The event’s chief guest was Md. Masud Rana, Teacher Trainer at NAEM and mentor of the project. Special guests included Dr. Md. Habibullah, Head of the Department of Political Science, Varendra University; Md. Nahid Ferdous Bhuiya, Teacher Trainer at NAEM; and Md. Shahidullah, Assistant Professor at Mahabbatpur Khanpur Degree College. The session was presided over by Md. Abdul Alim Sheikh, Headmaster of Mahabbatpur High School. Members of the school’s managing committee, assistant head teacher, faculty members, and students were also present.

Throughout the day, students not only learned the techniques of preparing different types of pitha but also explored the cultural values, family bonds, and community life that revolve around this traditional food. Speakers at the workshop remarked that pitha is more than just a food item—it symbolizes joy, harmony, and unity in rural Bengali life.

A creative writing competition was also organized, where students shared personal reflections. Many wrote about cherished childhood memories—how their grandmother or mother would prepare bhapa pitha during winter, gathering the whole family together. Winners of the competition received awards from the distinguished guests.

The guests further emphasized that if the younger generation forgets such traditions, society will become culturally impoverished. Hence, schools must introduce students to local traditions at an early stage. Initiatives like this not only enhance creativity but also instill a sense of identity and appreciation for cultural roots among students.

Local teachers expressed that students participated in the program with remarkable enthusiasm. They were not only active in the competitions but also hands-on in preparing pitha and showcasing the heritage of rural life.

In conclusion, the speakers expressed hope that such workshops and cultural initiatives would spread across educational institutions nationwide, enabling the younger generation to rediscover and cherish the fading traditions of Bengal.