Pradeep Singh

Bhubaneswar: Odisha finally got the much-awaited Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its Rasagola. Registered as ‘Odisha Rasagola’, the State has been granted the GI tag certificate which will be valid till Feb 22, 2028.

Odisha had moved the GI Registry and a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in Orissa High Court seeking GI tag for its own version of Rasagola after West Bengal was awarded the GI tag for its ‘Banglara Rasagulla’ in 2017.

Welcoming the decision of the Registrar of Geographical Indication, Chennai, President of the Pahala Sweet Traders’ Association Akhaya Lenka said, “Five years back, we were the first one to celebrate the ‘Rasagola Dibasa’. Though Odisha has got the GI tag after much delay, we are happy.”

“West Bengal got GI tag for ‘Banglara Rasagola’ which has been existing since 1863. But we presented data on Dandi Ramayana written towards the end of the 15th century. This shows Rasagola has been existing in Odisha for more than 500 years," said Asit Mohanty, a culture expert.

In his reaction, another Shree Jagannath Culture expert Naresh Chandra Das said, “This apart, Rasagola bhog is being offered to Lord Jagannath and His siblings from a period unknown. After considering this the GI tag has been given to the sweet.”

Earlier, the State had submitted various documents sought by the GI registry office like the chemical composition, moisture and nutrient contents of the sweet and the general practices adopted during the production process along with its quality and hygiene standards at various stages of production. Odisha government had applied for GI tag to the Pahala Rasagola in 2015. Surprisingly, the GI tag was given to ‘Banglara Rasagola’ on November 14, 2017. However, Odisha government continued its fight and received the GI tag on basis of detailed evidence citing Dandi Ramayana.

In his reaction, Minister Dibya Shankar Mishra said with the GI tag to ‘Odisha Rasagola’ culture and tradition of the State will be promoted.

Meanwhile, Opposition alleged that there has been delay in GI tag to ‘Odisha Rasagola’ due to negligence on the part of the ruling party. Leader of Opposition Pradipta Naik said, “The GI tag should have been earned long back. Due to negligence of the state government there has been the delay.”

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