Cooking Star Foundation to hold Bangla Khabar Utshob & Baisakhi Fair 1432
In a continued effort to preserve and promote the rich culinary traditions of Bengal, Cooking Star Foundation, in collaboration with Dona Media, has announced the “Bangla Khabar Utshob & Baisakhi Fair 1432’, a vibrant three-day festival dedicated to traditional Bengali cuisine.
The event aims to safeguard the authenticity of regional Bengali dishes, revive time-honored cooking methods, and introduce the diverse flavors of Bengal to a wider global audience. Organizers say the initiative reflects a broader mission to reestablish the unique identity of Bangladesh’s regional foods among the public.
As part of the event, a nationwide Bengali food cooking competition will be held alongside the Baisakhi Fair, organized jointly with UDDOGY. In addition to the main competition, two special contests—“Mishti Utshob 1432”, focusing on traditional sweets, and “Bhalobasar Cake Pastry 2026”, highlighting cake and pastry creations—will also take place.
The festival coincides with the celebrations of the Bengali New Year and will also recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to tourism and food heritage in Bangladesh.
Aspiring culinary artists and cooking enthusiasts can register for the competition until April 15, 2026. Participants are required to submit their name, address, phone number, and chosen category via the Cooking Star Foundation’s official page inbox.
A registration fee of BDT 500 per category is applicable, payable through designated contact numbers. Competitors in the Bangla Food Festival can participate in one or more of five categories: drinks, desserts, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Each participant must prepare a dish suitable for four people.
Judging will be conducted based on taste, authenticity, presentation, and nutritional value. The same rules will apply to both the Mishti Utshob and Bhalobasar Cake Pastry competitions.
The judging panel will feature prominent culinary experts, including Chef Zaheda Begum, Head of the Food and Beverage Department at the National Hotel and Tourism Training Institute, along with Chef Meherun Akhtar Mary, Chef Nazia Farhana, and UDDOGY Chairperson Rabbe Arfina Korban.
Winners will receive a range of prizes, including a 100% scholarship for international-standard culinary training, kitchen equipment, and exclusive travel opportunities such as a one-night, two-day stay at premium resorts in Manikganj and Cox’s Bazar. Additional recognitions include crests, certificates, gift boxes, and the opportunity to have winning recipes published in a national newspaper.
The Bangla Khabar Utshob & Baisakhi Fair 1432 is expected to emerge as a vibrant platform celebrating Bengali food culture—bringing together tradition, innovation, and culinary talent under one festive umbrella.