Pitha Utsab: Winter Rice Cake Festival
Celebrate the Bengali winter season with more than 30 kinds of homemade pitha, a pitha-making competition, folk songs and a warm community afternoon.
- Date
- Saturday, January 16, 2027
- Time
- 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM CST
- Venue
- Niles Park District Recreation Center7877 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL 60714
- Tickets
- From $6.00350 of 350 spots left
About this event
In Bangladesh, winter means fresh date-palm molasses (khejur gur) and kitchens full of pitha. Pitha Utsab brings that tradition to Chicagoland, so our children can taste and learn about one of the warmest parts of Bengali culture.
Highlights
- Over 30 varieties: bhapa, chitoi, patishapta, puli, dudh puli, nakshi and more
- Live pitha making at the bhapa station
- Pitha-making competition with prizes for taste, presentation and tradition
- Folk music: bhatiyali, baul and palli geeti performances
- Kids' activity: decorate your own nakshi pitha pattern
Pitha competition
Home cooks of every skill level are welcome to enter. A panel of community elders will judge entries at 2:30 PM, and winners are announced at 4:00 PM. First prize is a $150 gift card and the Golden Pitha trophy.
Support small businesses
Local home bakers and caterers will sell pitha by the box, so you can take some home to share.
Niles Park District Recreation Center
7877 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL 60714
Volunteer at this event
Volunteers make every BAC event possible. Apply below and our team will confirm your role and tasks by email. Volunteers who take part receive a participation certificate.
Tasting table
Plate and serve pitha, keep stations stocked.
8 spot(s) open
Competition coordinator
Receive entries, label them and assist the judges.
2 spot(s) open
Setup & cleanup
Arrange tables before and after the event.
6 spot(s) open