Sunday 19 November 2017

The Rosogolla Race: Odisha’s Inaction, West Bengal’s Gain

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How many of us know that the Gobindobhog rice, grown in West Bengal for the past 300 years in Bardhaman district, got the Geographical Indication (GI) status in August 2017? 
Or that two other Bengali sweets- Bardhaman Sitabhog and Bardhaman Mihidana also got the GI tag this year? Did the media and state’s CM share the above “sweet news” so competitively?
 
But, notice the GI tag victory claim for "Banglar Rasogolla" ("Bengal's Rasogolla or Rasogolla of Bengal") that has a Banglar history of just 149 years (1868-2017) !
In stark contrast, Odisha's Jagannath Temple in Puri has an 800 years old cultural association with Rasagola.
Even now Rasagola is offered as bhog during Niladri Bije, the last day of Ratha Jatra.
As per tradition, Niladri Bije is the only day when Rasagola is offered as bhog to Lord Jagannath.

Tuesday 14 November 2017

"Battle" Over Rasgulla - Misleading Media Information

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"Banglar Rasogolla" was "invented" in Bengal in 1868.
West Bengal had filed an application and has received a certificate for "Banglar Rasogolla" today.

Source: ipindia.nic.in
Geographical Indications (GI) Registry is a Quasi Judicial Authority. This impartial authority grants GI status on the basis of details and supporting documents.
Application Number- 533 refers to "Banglar Rasogolla".
It has been available from 14th July 2017.
Today, on 14th November 2017, West Bengal has got the GI certificate for "Banglar Rasogolla".

It may be noted that Odisha Govt. is yet to file any application for Rasagola.
There is a mind-boggling choice as many varieties of Rasagola are available in Odisha. Each region has its unique preparation and specialty e.g. Pahala, Salepur, Jatni, Kukudakhandi, Nuapatna etc.

Thursday 2 November 2017

MAYFAIR Palm Beach Resort, Gopalpur-on-Sea

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One of the luxury properties of MAYFAIR Hotels & Resorts Ltd., the MAYFAIR Palm Beach Resort is located at Gopalpur-on-Sea in Odisha.
Gopalpur-on-Sea is a picturesque beach town of Odisha.
We started from Bhubaneswar in the morning by car and covered 165 kms via NH16 to reach the resort in Ganjam district. Our journey took us less than three hours.
With a faint sound of the sea in the background and well-maintained greenery, my first impression, when we entered the resort's premises, was that we had reached nature's lap!

 
In fact, I was so enamoured by the ambiance, that I had nearly forgotten to carry my laptop bag from my father's car!

We were greeted with welcome drinks at the arrival lounge.
After completing the process at the reception, we couldn't wait to explore.
It was interesting to learn about the history of the resort.
The walk to our room was pretty impressive with Memorabilia proudly displayed everywhere.
We greeted the framed photos of important dignitaries & past guests.

I was excited to see the sea-themed flooring. I imagined that I was walking on the sea-bed!
Do you know the sea has gifted a special present? A boat that had reached the resort during the 1999 SuperCyclone !
Stationary tortoises give company too!
Pretty mermaids, pirates and sea-stories depicted in the paintings on the walls, told their own story.

We stayed in a 'Deluxe Room' that was well-furnished.
It had an exclusive balcony.
I was filled with joy to see the verdant green lawn and the sea !
The sea-view was fabulous and I instantly decided that I had to go for my maiden sea-bath!
Later, I found that the resort has dedicated life-guards who accompany guests for the sea-adventure!

There is also a huge bath-tub in the spacious bathroom for those who would rather skip the above mentioned sea-bath!

The resort shop had interesting items for sale.
There are many recreation facilities- Games Room, Sauna, Gym, Spa, Swimming Pool etc.
However, the feedback that we got from some visitors was that the access time for all these can be increased so that the rooms can be open till late evening for the interested guests.
As the resort was full, last-minute plans of an appointment at the Spa didn't materialise.

There are fountains and a temple too!
I loved the tea-shop where the resort serves complimentary tea, cookies, and a spicy and tangy snack called Jhaal Mudhi.
Jhaal Mudhi tastes extra special with the aura of the sea! It's great to savour these goodies enjoying the sea's antics!

The food at the restaurant was yummy with a large number of dishes including traditional Odia dishes.  But, I would like the resort to regularly serve some Odia specialty desserts like Rasagola and Chhena Poda.

I interacted with a family that had driven down from Kolkata.
The food at dinner was great with fabulous Hindi movie songs. At first I thought audio-tape was playing. Then I saw a singer singing Bollywood songs in the next room!
When I requested that even I wish to sing, singer Dilip politely informed me that guests are not allowed to sing! But, as I was determined, he finally agreed to hand over the mike and I enthusiastically sang 3 songs on Karaoke!

Though the room was so comfortable, yet I woke up early to witness "Sunrise At Gopalpur-on-Sea".
The fantastic experience inspired me to write a poem.

The resort has a rich plantation with many plants and trees like Curry-leaves, Coconut, Banana etc. Fresh in-house produce is used in the kitchen!
The sustainability efforts are commendable. There is garbage segregation in the resort premises.

I felt everything about the resort was in total harmony and had been intelligently presented.

It is well-lit even at midnight.
Source: Mayfair Resorts
Many places of interest are in and around Gopalpur-on-Sea in Ganjam district of Odisha.
As we have visited many of these places, this visit was exclusively spent at the resort and at the welcoming beach.
We simply loved our two-days stay there!
I strongly recommend MAYFAIR Palm Beach Resort to all. Do plan your visit to Odisha India's Gopalpur-on-Sea soon.
More posts & pics are yet to be shared!

Disclaimer- MAYFAIR Palm Beach Resort sponsored one-day stay for us, while we paid for the second-day. This is an honest review. All views are my own.
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