Odisha celebrates Rasagolla Dibasa, Know its significance

Bhubaneswar, July 18: Rasagolla Dibasa, is an annual celebration of Odisha dedicated to the beloved sweet delicacy, Rasagolla. Observed on the Niladri Bije day, which marks the return of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra to the Jagannath Temple after their annual Rath Yatra, Rasagolla Diabasa holds cultural and culinary significance for Odias worldwide.

Rasagolla, a syrupy dessert made from chhena (Indian cottage cheese), sugar, and sometimes flavored with cardamom or saffron, holds a special place in the hearts of Odias. The celebration of Rasagolla Diabasa typically involves offering Rasagollas to Lord Jagannath as a part of the rituals during Niladri Bije. 

According to legend, during the Rath Yatra festival in Puri, Lord Jagannath leaves his abode with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, to visit his aunt's house. This separation from Goddess Lakshmi, left behind in the temple, leads to a poignant tale of love and longing. On Hera Panchami, a significant day during the festival, Goddess Lakshmi, eager to reunite with her husband, heads towards the Gundicha temple. However, she finds the temple doors closed, as Lord Jagannath has shut her out, sparking her ire and setting the stage for a divine drama.

As Lord Jagannath returns to his temple after nine days, he seeks to appease Goddess Lakshmi, who is understandably upset. Even the Lord of the Universe is not immune to the wrath of his loving wife. To calm her and win back her favor, Lord Jagannath employs a timeless strategy: he offers her Rasagola, a delicious sweet treat. This gesture of love and devotion melts her heart, allowing her to forgive him and welcome him back into the sacred shrine. This tradition has endured over time, with Rasagola symbolizing the enduring bond of love between the divine couple, making it an integral part of the Shree Jagannath tradition to this day.

The origin of Rasagolla itself is a subject of debate between Odisha and West Bengal, with both regions claiming it as their own. However, historical records suggest that Rasagolla has ancient roots in the Jagannath Temple of Puri, where it has been a part of the temple's culinary tradition for centuries.

During Rasagolla Diabasa, families and communities come together to prepare and share this delectable sweet. It is not only enjoyed as a dessert but also symbolizes community bonding and spiritual devotion. In recent years, Rasagolla Diabasa has gained attention beyond Odisha, with efforts to promote and preserve the cultural heritage associated with this iconic sweet.

In essence, Rasagolla Diabasa celebrates not just a dessert but also the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Odisha, highlighting the importance of culinary art in religious and social festivities. It continues to be a cherished occasion for Odias, reinforcing their cultural identity and love for their traditional sweets.