Sourav Ganguly - About Rasagola Origin

By now, many must have watched cricketer Sourav Ganguly's latest 2022 video about Rasagola and seen his acknowledgment that Rasagola belongs to Odisha.

It has been well-shared by the media.

But, do you know what was shared in the Dadagiri show by Sourav Ganguly a decade ago in 2011?

Watch the "Maharajah of Cricket", Sourav Ganguly, sharing about the "King of Sweets"-Rasagola in his popular show- "DADAGIRI" - on Bengali channel - in 2011 & 2022:

What Sourav Ganguly Said About Rasagola Origin in 2011 & 2022 | Dadagiri |

Whenever Rasagola is discussed, many feel it is an unimportant issue.

But, thanks to our media representatives and media, who have now realized the importance and keep sharing the statements of important personalities about our important heritage products.

When we first started celebrating #RasagolaDibasa on social media from 2015 onwards, and then worked for the GI application for "Odisha Rasagola", many felt it was worthless.

Many still feel the same.

However, no one can deny that Rasagola is an identity and cultural symbol of our Odisha state.

Rasagola topic gets periodically viral and this shows the amount of interest & passion for this sweet treat.

"Rasgulla Kiska Hai?" or "To whom does the Rasagola (Rasgulla) belong?" is still asked & debated.

Why does the debate & controversy exist?

Many still don't know about Odisha's age-old Niladri Bije & Ratha Jatra association & also the GI tag for "Odisha Rasagola" now (earned on July 29, 2019).

Heartening to see that the efforts (of all those who have felt this important enough to be written and discussed on social media and media) have borne fruits and Odisha and Maa Lakshmi & Shree Jagannatha's Rasagola are getting recognition.

Thanks to famous personalities like Shri Sourav Ganguly for sharing the facts.

What change has happened in the last decade?

Why the change in perception & acknowledgment has happened?

What did many feel before 2015 & after 2015?

2015 was when we started first celebrating "Rasagola Dibasa" (Rasgulla Day) online from the Nabakalebara Ratha Jatra.

Then, many didn't even know of Niladri Bije, the last ritual of Ratha Jatra, with which Rasagola has been associated for centuries!

#RasagolaDibasa trended on Twitter & social media on July 30, 2015, that was the Niladri Bije of the Nabakalebara Ratha Jatra celebrated as the maiden Rasagola Dibasa i.e. Rasgulla Day.

Media then started writing news reports about Rasagola and Rasgulla origin and "Food War".

Many Odias also didn't know about Niladri Bije! Many people were not even aware of any association of Rasgulla with Odisha!

Many still don't know.

Unless we inform & share, how will people be aware?

Many have not informed and shared over the years, and hence there is the misinformation and misrepresentation.

Research was conducted and committees were set up after we first celebrated Rasagola Dibasa and shared information and after #RasagolaDibasa trended online.

Many became interested to know and got to learn from the research and history.

It is said- "Truth wins" - Satyameva Jayate.

But, how will that happen unless all contribute and support to bring the truth to light?

Many have collectively been vocal for local and sharing.

Still, many say that all this is a silly Rasgulla "war/battle/fight"!

Rasagola's birthplace is Odisha.

This is the truth.

"Odisha Rasagola" is now a Geographical Indiaction (GI) of India. GI is a type of Intellectual Property Right (IPR).

This is our cultural heritage and we are very proud of our Rasagola.

Those who still argue that all these discussions & GI filings are not important, need to rethink and re-evaluate and revalue.

To whom does the Rasagola (Rasgulla) belong?

What has changed in the last decade about the "King of Sweets"?

There are 2 clips in the given video- of Dadagiri show- 2011 & 2022 show: Here is what Sourav Ganguly said in the 2022 clip:

• "Many say Kolkata is famous for Rasagola; but Rasagola is of Odisha."
• "Rasagola has link with the Shree Jagannatha Temple (Puri, Odisha)"
• "In my childhood I used to play at Cuttack and have never tasted sweets like those (available in Cuttack)"
• "Rasagola belongs to Odisha".

Now more people are aware of Rasagola's cultural link with the Shree Jagannatha sanskruti after celebration of #RasagolaDibasa and the award of the #OdishaRasagola GI Tag. Our aim has been to discuss and share about our tradition, culture and heritage and to end the debate and controversy. #EndRasgullaDebate

Change cannot happen overnight.

We are grateful to all who share and make all aware.

Chaka Akhi Sabu Dekhuchi - Shree Jagannatha is watching everything

Jaya Shree Jagannatha

Did you know about Rasgulla's age-old link with the Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri & with Odisha? If yes, when did you first learn about this? Please share in the comments below.