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Every year, as the Suns of Niladri Bije melt into the sacred atmosphere of Puri, Odisha comes alive with the delightful festival of Rasagola Dibasa, a day dedicated to the state's iconic sweet, the rasagola.
Mythology Meets Gastronomy
As per the sacred traditions of the Jagannath Temple, the final day of the Rath Yatra, Niladri Bije, marks Lord Jagannath’s return to the Srimandir. However, His entry is met with resistance from Goddess Lakshmi, who, upset over being left behind during the Yatra, locks the Jaya Vijaya Dwar, allowing only Balabhadra and Subhadra to enter.
It is only after Lord Jagannath offers her rasagolas, soft, syrup-soaked cheese delicacies, that she forgives Him and opens the gates, allowing His return. The gesture symbolizes divine love, reconciliation, and the restoration of harmony.
From Ritual to Recognition
While this ritual dates back centuries, since July 30, 2015, the people of Odisha have been celebrating Niladri Bije as Rasagola Dibasa, a day dedicated to the iconic sweet deeply rooted in the Jagannath tradition.
On this auspicious occasion, the Holy Trinity is offered Rasagola as bhog before being ceremoniously escorted into the sanctum sanctorum during the traditional Pahandi procession. Since its inception, Odias have embraced this day with pride, turning it into an annual cultural celebration.
Rasagola Dibasa is also observed to commemorate the origin of this delectable dessert in Odisha. The celebration aims to showcase the history, heritage, and pride associated with Rasagola, reminding the world of its ancient roots in the state.
Historical references to Rasagola date back to the 15th century in the Jagamohana Ramayana (also known as Dandi Ramayana) penned by poet Balaram Das.
Also Read | Niladri Bije: Deities to return to Srimandir, Lord Jagaanth to persuade Goddess Laxmi with ‘Rasagola’
Over time, Rasagola Dibasa has grown into a widespread celebration, from villages to urban centres, with people exchanging the sweet as a token of joy and tradition. Sweet shops across Odisha prepare special varieties of Rasagola, with many hosting competitions to display their culinary creativity.
In recognition of its unique identity, Odisha’s Rasagola was awarded the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag on July 29, 2019, further affirming its place in the state’s rich cultural and culinary legacy.
