Bangladesh Rice Festival to Be Held in Kolkata

The Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata announced that it will soon organize a rice food festival in the city. The festival aims to exhibit different varieties of rice, as well as rice-based food items, from Bangladesh.

Andalib Elias, Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner, spoke on the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Conclave and said that the initiative would open trade opportunities between India and Bangladesh.

“It is my idea to organize a rice festival in Kolkata to showcase the varieties of rice from Bangladesh. We have so many varieties of rice in Bangladesh. The rice is used to make biryani, payesh (rice pudding), pitha (pie) and so many other food items. We are yet to fix a date for the festival as we are yet to sort out the budgeting issues. We plan to bring chefs from Bangladesh who would prepare dishes at the festival,” Elias stated.

The US Consulate General in Kolkata, as well as the Asian Confluence, organized the Indo-Pacific Conclave under the theme of “Re-imagine and Reconnect the Indo-Pacific Region through the Lens of Culture.”

“Food is our expertise. It is a great way to create awareness and friendship among nations. This kind of initiative is a good way to move forward. Through cultural exchanges and food, we can forge ties with countries,” the Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner added.