The Westin Dhaka, in association with Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh and Coca-Cola International Beverages Private Limited, hosted a grand pitha festival called “Folk Roots” on 25 January, at the Grand Ballroom of The Westin Dhaka.
To celebrate Bangladesh's folk roots, the festive evening featured a delectable selection of pithas from all over Bangladesh and an enchanting musical performance of the sensational folk-fusion band Lalon. A rustic setting was created complete with a fortune teller, bioscope, dholoks, folk dancers, a mystical band, authentic local pithas and dishes made the event a true celebration and a walk down memory lane for all. Guests were offered over 20 pithas from all over the country such as patishapta, chitoi, puli, muksola, lobongo lotika, malpua, bhapa, nokshi, etc. Live pitha stations served the pithas hot for everyone who miss having pithas the good old way. Phuchka, lassi, mezbani beef, roasted chicken and many other tantalising dishes kept everyone busy throughout the festive evening.
What made the event a truly remarkable one was the festive feel of the place – from live music playing in the background to hot pitha's being made and served, there seemed to be something for everyone. A walk through the floor revealed several different food sections, all decorated with touches of rural Bengal. In the centre of the hall a mini exhibition to depict the “Pitha Story” - with drawings, live pitha displays took up the space. On one side there was the savoury pitha spread that began with a live station for freshly made chitoi pithas, egg curry, followed by a delicious bhortas that were all done right – from a zesty shorisha bhorta to the spicy pudina bhorta. Next in line came the duck curry which seemed to inspire most to come back for second servings, if not more. Soft to the bone and absolutely delectable, the duck curry was a work of perfection, just as the savoury bhortas. On another end, set atop kolshis was the phuchka station with ready to pop phuchka bites. For those who couldn't handle the spice quotient that came hand in hand with their savoury delights, there was a station of chilled lassi and refreshing Rooh Afza drinks. As for the sweet pitha spread – the line was endless. Everything from dudh kodu to the quintessential bhapa to the nokshi was available, with people coming back for more.
While the food itself had people hooked, what really made the event feel complete was the separate elements that can only be found at an actual mela – a parrot that tells your fortune, a festive clown hosting a bioscope or even the woman selling a colourful assortment of glass bangles placed in a wicker basket.
Before Lalon took the stage by storm, a small cultural performance of folk dance kept audience enthralled. With Lalon taking the stage towards late evening, their powerful performance included songs such as Jaat Gelo, Shomoy Gelo, Ami Opar and Pagol. Nigar Sultana (Sumi) was on vocals, Thein Han Maung (Titi) on drums, Ashfaque Ahmed (Turjo) on bass and Rafi Islam (Rafi) and Julkar Nain (Ratul) on guitar.
Amit Paul, director of sales and marketing, Abrar A Anwar, CEO, Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh, Aditya Mandloi, head of retail banking, Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh, Tapas Kumar Mondal, managing director, Coca-Cola International Beverages Private Limited) and other high officials and guests from The Westin Dhaka, Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh and Coca-Cola International Beverages Private Limited were all part of the celebrations. “It gives us great pleasure to host such an event celebrating our roots” said Amit Paul, director of sales & marketing, The Westin Dhaka.
The gala evening started at 6:30pm and ended at 9pm.
