As the years passed by, Rasgulla, popularly regarded as one of the best sweets in India, became the bone of contention and pride in culture between Pur Odisha and West Bengal. While Bengal gives light to the taste, Odisha has been claiming that it’s indeed born in the Jagannath Temple of Puri. this has put the match that finally ended in 2019 with a GI tag for the Odisha ‘Rasagola’.
History of Rasgulla:
The Claim of Odisha:
Connection to Jagannath Temple: For centuries now, Rasgulla has been offered to Lord Jagannath during the Niladri Bije ritual, which signifies the return of the deities to the temple after the Rath Yatra.
Records from History: There are also many ancient scripts which mention a sweet that resembles Rasgulla. One such ancient script is the Dandi Ramayana by Balaram Das (for the 15th century), which again bolsters the claims with respect to Odisha.
Traditional Preparation: The sweet is popularly known as Odisha Rasagola, and is known for its slight texture, a reddish-brown color, and a mildly sweet flavor.
Counterclaim from West Bengal
Innovation of Bengal’s Chhenna: The claim about Rasgulla is that it was first invented by a confectioner of Kolkata named Nobin Chandra Das in the middle of the nineteenth century.
Introduction of Chhenna: The culinary customs among Bengal people have made popular the utilization of chhena (curdled milk), which is the secret behind modern Rasgulla.
Cultural Amplification: The Bengal’s Rasgulla is white, spongy, and soaked in sugar syrup; it becomes globally known as a part of Bengali cuisine.
The Geographical Indication (GI) Battle:
Odisha had begun its tussle for GI tag in 2015 for its version of the sweet. In this wake, it has only ensured that rivalry has been embittered with Bengal over maintaining its GI tag for Banglar Rosogolla, earned in 2017.
Memorable Events
2015: In Odisha, Rasagola Dibasa has been observed to highlight the history behind the dessert and the Jagannath Temple.
2019: The GI tag has conferred on Odisha its own production by officially establishing the uniqueness of Odisha Rasagola.
Culinary and Cultural Importance
Rituals Ornaments- Rasgullas never let us down when they are supposed to be available on Niladri Bije or on any occasion pertaining to the devotees of the Lord Jagannatha.
Uniqueness in make: Unlike Bengal version, Odisha Rasgulla is distinctively less sugary and has a caramelized texture, appealing to a different palate.
Worldwide Attraction: These two versions have been celebrated worldwide and Rangoli-The All-Indian Dessert as Rasgulla.
Rasgulla Today
However, there is wrath going on between the states whether the Rasgulla is Bengali or Odia, as both states have contributed to making the sweet a household name within itself and abroad. The sweet also inspires modern variations like chocolate-filled Rasgulla, fruit-flavored Rasgullas, etc., while remaining connected to its roots.
