Niladri Bije - Ratha Jatra

Ratha Jatra or Ratha Yatra or Rath Yatra, also called the ‘Chariot Festival' of Puri Shree Jagannatha is a centuries-old festival of Odisha, India. It finds mention in many ancient texts like the Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, Kapila Samhita, Bamadeva Samhita, Niladri Mahodaya etc. 

Ratha Jatra is celebrated all over the world now.

This annual festival is celebrated on Asadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya (second day in bright fortnight of Asadha month, the third month of the Odia calendar).

The rituals have been held systematically as per the tithi for hundreds of years. The preparations start early. The first lot of wood for constructing the Rathas reaches by Basanta Panchami, and Puja (Ratha Katha Anukula) is done. 

The construction of the chariots starts on the day of Akshaya Trutiya (the third day of the bright fortnight of the month of Baisakha). Skilled artisans and craftsmen construct the Rathas following centuries-old traditions. The size and specifications of the Rathas are fixed.

Ratha Jatra is the journey of Lord Jagannath, along with brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra from their abode, Shreemandira, to their birthplace, Shree Gundicha Temple. Thus, this is also called Gundicha Jatra.

Odisha Art And Sweet- Pattachitra And Rasgulla #RasagolaA2Z

Pattachitra is a traditional fine-art of Odisha. 

Like Rasagola, Pattachitra too is linked with Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri, Odisha, India. 

The word Pata comes from the Sanskrit word "Patta" meaning “a piece of cloth” and "Chitra" meaning "painting". 

Niladri Bije is celebrated as Rasgulla Day i.e. #RasagolaDibasa.

As per the centuries-old continuing tradition of Puri Temple, Lord Jagannath offers Rasagolas (Rasgullas) to appease His wife, Devi Laxmi. Also, each year, on this last day of Rath Yatra, the devotees offer Rasagolas to the deities.

Name Rasgulla, Niladri Bije, And New Year Wishes #RasagolaA2Z

Name - Rasgulla , Rasagola, Rasgolla, Rasogolla, Rosogolla, Roshogulla...

The definition of Name as per the Merriam Webster Dictionary-

Definition of name-

1a: a word or phrase that constitutes the distinctive designation of a person or thing

b: a word or symbol used in logic to designate an entity

2: a descriptive often disparaging epithet

3a: REPUTATION

b: an illustrious record : FAME

c: a person or thing with a reputation

4: FAMILY, CLAN

5: appearance as opposed to reality

6: one referred to by a name

Whenever the name Rasagola / Rasgulla  or any of its myriad spellings/pronunciation comes up, most people instantly think of one eastern state of India and its capital city.

Have you ever wondered how and why is it so? 

That is the top-of-mind recall. People are not aware about the true place of origin- Rasagola is the Sweet Treat of Odisha. 

The misinformation cycle continues.

Very few know the reality about Rasagola name and origin. The word 'Rasagola' exists in 15th Century Odia Ramayana (when Calcutta city where Rasgulla is believed to have been "invented in 1868" did not even exist.) 

Name Rasagola was coined in Odisha that has many desserts, dishes and other words starting with Rasa like Rasakora, Rasabara, Rasabali, Rasakhai, Rasaphena, Rasmalai, Rasagola and many more.

Rasagola still plays an important role in Rath Yatra celebration. Thus, it is a Sweet Yatra.

Rasagola is as old as the Rath Yatra.

The Object Of My Affection

Today on Bahuda Jatra, we had a family-function.
The object of my affection was a part of the celebration.

With my object around, the function was a treat!
For me, it made the Satyanarayana Puja complete!

This object makes its presence felt on occasions-
Irrespective of the big and small celebrations!

It comes in different sizes & colour- cool variety!
These days, one can find it all over, in many a city.

Lord Jagannath's Rasagola #RasagolaProject

“I never stood a chance, did I?”

"Why this doubt?"

"They are debating about my origin!"

"The truth still remains the same, no matter what some say!"

"And most of the world doesn't know the truth- that you have always gifted me to your wife - Maa Lakshmi."

"Yes, I take your help to pacify Lakshmi after my replies to Her questions (Bachanika). She then lets me inside our home after my Ratha Jatra outing with my siblings "

"On Niladri Bije, Bhittarachhu Mohapatra, a major priest (sebayat) prepares me with much love as per the ancient tradition and hands me over to you to gift."

   

"Then, I smartly gift you to Lakshmi, who is both surprised and delighted to receive my sweet gift!"

Rasagola Dibasa

Here is a Quiz/GK question for you:

"In which state did the sweet-dish Rasgulla or Rasagola originate?"

Image Courtesy

If you answered- Odisha or Orissa, then full marks to you.

Many do not know the birthplace of the Rasagola. The popular perception is different.
On learning this, some get emotionally charged up, some others feel it is funny, while many disbelieve.

Actually, Rasagolas have been associated for centuries with the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri in Odisha.
The last day of the Rath Yatra, called Niladri Bije, is the only day when Lord Jagannath is offered Rasagolas as prasad by His devotees.
Also, Lord Jagannath Himself offers Rasagolas to please His consort, Maa Laxmi.
The Lord gifts Rasagolas to Maa Laxmi to gain entrance into the Temple.

Rasagola Day

Odisha is an Eastern state of India.

Despite it being 'the Soul of Incredible India', Odisha is yet to get credit for so many things- like the Rasagola.

Rasgulla/Rasagolla/Rasagola...spell it in anyway, prepare it in any shape or size or have it in any part of the world, the fact is that Odisha is the birthplace of the Rasagola.

There are many variations and innovations that are found in different parts of India. However, the most amazing, yummiest, finest, softest and delicious Rasagolas are found in Odisha. One has to come to Odisha and get the taste of mouthwatering varieties of Rasagolas.

In my post Kaleidoscopic Indian Culture, I had compared Indian culture with Rasagola and had mentioned the great varieties of Rasagolas as follows:

Rasagola

There were many comments:

Blog Comment

Blog Comment

How many of us know that Rasagolas have been offered for centuries in the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri in Odisha? 

Sweet Yatra

He went to His birthplace with His siblings, like He did each year at that time of the year.

His wife was angry that He did not take Her with Him.

She followed His path and damaged His chariot and returned to their home..

After enjoying His Jatra (Yatra- journey/travel/trip) with His siblings, He returned home.

His wife let His elder brother and sister enter the gate, but did not let Him enter.

She was raspy and said- NO!

The situation was somber.

He tried reasoning with Her and answered Her queries.
(Obedient husband indeed!)

Next, to placate Her, He offered Her some delicious sweets named Rasagolas.

Rasagola- A sweet/dessert that originated in Odisha, India