Showing posts with label Rasgulla. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rasgulla. Show all posts

Friday, 7 October 2022

Vote For Odisha Rasagola and GI Tags in GIR Poll

India has a rich cultural heritage.

Each state has regional specialties.

There are many traditional products and local goods associated under various categories-

1. Agricultural 

2. Food Stuffs 

3. Handicrafts

4. Manufactured

5. Natural 

India has many registered "Geographical Indications" - GIs under the above five categories.

India has hundreds of registered GIs.

All these products are unique and special.

Some products are famous, others are yet to be known.


CGPDTM- Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks is conducting a Public Poll:
"Most liked Geographical Indication of India".

This is under the DPIIT- Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India.

All can participate & select their choice under the given 5 categories.

Saturday, 6 August 2022

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:


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.

Monday, 21 March 2022

A To Z Twitter Rasagola #TwitterRasagola

For this year's April A2Z theme, I had been planning some topics. 

My last year's theme was #RasagolaA2Z where I had shared posts about Rasagola. 

Rasagola is a delectable dessert that originated in Odisha, India. The main ingredients are cottage-cheese and sugar-syrup. 

Also called and pronounced in several different ways viz. Rasgulla, Rasagula, Rasogolla, Rosogolla etc., Rasagola is called the 'King of Sweets'.


We have been celebrating a day for Rasagola or Rasagola Day as- "Rasagola Dibasa #RasagolaDibasa" on social media from 2015 Nabakalebara Ratha Yatra onwards. 

It helped in creating awareness about the connection of Rasagola with Odisha and also about the centuries-old ritual- Niladri Bije of Odisha. Our celebration and promotion also generated interest for the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Odisha earned the GI tag for "Odisha Rasagola" on July 29, 2019.
The following image from Google Trends shows the spike in the search for Rasagola on the same dates

Monday, 29 November 2021

Rasagola- Odia And Odisha Origin

Recently, Kalinga TV, a leading news channel of Odisha, aired a special programme about Rasagola in its Kalinga Swatantra show (on 27th November 2021 and repeat on 28th and 29th November 2021).

The show's title is in Odia - "Rasagola Kahuchhi Mu Odia".

In English, it means- "Rasagola says I'm Odia."

The show is about the Rasagola origin issue following the Twitter trend #RasagolaDibasa, and also about the Odisha Rasagola Geographical Indication (GI) application and registration. Kalinga TV has documented the views of some stakeholders- historians, authors, researchers, general public, and Rasagola shop owners and sellers, who all have shared about Rasagola's antiquity and association with Odisha.

Some of the personalities, who have been interviewed, and have shared their views in the video are- Prof Pushpesh Pant, Dr. Bhaskar Mishra, Dr. Sarat Kumar Mohanty, Shri Bhakta Tripathy, Shri Santosh Sahu, Dr. Asit Mohanty, Shri Bimbadhar Behera, Shri Satyabrat Mohanty, Shri Manoj Patra, Ms. Saipriya... and yours truly.

It has been uploaded yesterday on YouTube-


Thursday, 28 October 2021

Rasagola Aamara - End of Discussion? #EndRasgullaDebate

It is truly satisfying to see the confident answer of singer Sthitipadma Dash and the reactions. In the audition round of Zee TV’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, a leading singing reality show, filmed at Mumbai, Sthitipadma encountered a sweet question on the stage the moment she introduced herself as from “Cuttack, Odisha”. Judges- singer-cum- music-composers Vishal Dadlani and Shankar Mahadevan immediately turned to the third judge, singer-cum-music-composer, Himesh Reshammiya, who asked her in Hindi- “Rasgulla Kiska Hai?”i.e. whom does Rasagola belong?

Sthitipadma confidently answered,  “I wouldn’t like to take the things further but Jay Jagannath, Rasagola Aamara (Rasagola is ours)- End of discussion.”. 

Everyone cheered.

Friday, 16 July 2021

Hera Panchami - When Maa Lakshmi Is Angry

Puri Dham is one of the most important places of visit for Hindus.
A rich cultural history and many festivals including the world-famous Ratha Jatra are associated with this holy place. 

Puri Dham is called the Shree Kshetra and the Shree Jagannatha Temple is called the Shreemandira.
Shree means Goddess Lakshmi. 
This shows Her importance.
She is the wife of Shree Jagannatha, the Lord of the Universe.

Many wrongly think that Ratha Jatra is a one-day festival and the festivities end that day. 
The journey starts on the second day of the bright fortnight of Asadha (month in Hindu/Odia calendar) that is celebrated as Ratha Jatra. 
The Ratha Jatra is also called Nabadina Jatra (nine-day journey). 

On the ninth day, Bahuda Jatra is held.
However, that is not the end of the Ratha Jatra.

Actually, the Ratha Jatra festivities come to an end on the twelfth day of the commencement of the journey. 
Niladri Bije ritual marks the completion of their journey with the deities entering the Shreemandira.

There are many traditions and significant centuries-old rituals are done.

On the fifth day of the Ratha Jatra, there is the Hera Panchami tradition.
Today is Hera Panchami.
"Hera" means "to see".
This evening, Maa Lakshmi will visit Shree Gundicha Temple to see Shree Jagannatha.
What does She do there?


Monday, 31 May 2021

Rasagola Dibasa - Odisha Celebrates A Day For Rasagola (Rasgulla)

It is great to share that about the publication of my second eBook- ‘Rasagola Dibasa - Odisha Celebrates A Day for Rasagola (Rasgulla)’. It was launched in this year's Blogchatter EBook Carnival.

The publication shares about Rasagola, a day for Rasagola celebration i.e. "Rasagola Dibasa", & Odisha’s centuries-old continuing tradition of Niladri Bije of Ratha Yatra.

In 2015, when this writer first proposed & initiated #RasagolaDibasa celebration online:
1. Many were ignorant about Niladri Bije, which is a continuing tradition that marks the entry of the deities back to the Puri Shree Jagannatha Temple after they return from the Ratha Yatra.
2. There was no research or historical references about our Rasagola.
3. There were hardly any books or articles about Rasagola.

Friday, 30 April 2021

Zest for Rasagola And Zero Reference #RasagolaA2Z

All these years, it has been terrible to spot fake news and misinformation regarding Rasgulla i.e. Rasagola. The propaganda still continues. 

The choice is- either to simply watch or to do something to change the wrong perception.

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. -Ralph Waldo Emerson"
Zest means- a feeling of enjoyment, excitement, and enthusiasm.
Zeal means- great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.

Our zeal and zest for Rasagola and belief in Shree Jagannatha has kept our hope alive that the truth- Odisha is the land of invention of the Rasagola & Rasagola has centuries-old association with the Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri, Odisha- will triumph one day.

Zero Association

Despite being the birthplace of Rasagola, Odisha used to have zero association or top-of-mind-recall when it came to Rasgulla. 

Even today, what will most people answer when asked- "Which place is famous for Rasagola?"

Thursday, 29 April 2021

YouTube, Rasgulla Videos, And Comments #RasagolaA2Z

Rasgulla is a Hindi word that is used all over India and abroad to refer to the 'king of sweets' i.e. Rasagola and its multiple spellings.

A simple search for Rasagola on the popular video-sharing website, YouTube, gives many search-results most of which describe it as a "Bengali sweet".

After Odisha earned the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Odisha Rasagola, there were far fewer videos dedicated to it, than when Bengal had earned GI tag for Banglar Rasogolla.


Some of the videos have incorrect information that- Bengal had earned tag for Rasgulla, while Odisha has earned tag for Rasagola!

Note- Bengal has GI tag for Banglar Rasogolla, while Odisha has GI tag for Odisha Rasagola.


The problem is that once a video is posted, it cannot be updated, and it is hardly removed.

A fresh one with updated content ought to be posted.

But, even if a video with correct information is uploaded, the previous video with fake news has already reached many and created the (un)desired incorrect impression. Establishing truth is a challenge as it is extremely tough to change pre-set attitudes, perceptions, beliefs, and knowledge.

Viewers can post comments and share correct information. Luckily, the responsible and trusted media house has allowed this writer's comment to exist on their site till today-


In many cases, if a viewer points out the misinformation, the account-holders delete the comments! 

The above is not a solitary example.

This has happened many times with this author as many YouTube comments on Rasagola videos have been removed. Having become smarter over time, it makes sense to keep screenshots of comments after posting.

Truly appreciate Twitter where such non-offensive comments can get a life, while YouTube creators can delete and kill the truth.

Such actions are an evidence of their propaganda. Had their intentions been honest, they would have apologized and stated that they would take care in the future videos. Or else, not say a word, but update their video description. If not any of these, at least allow the informative comment to exist so that other viewers can also read and learn. 

Requesting all content-creators to please endeavour to share correct and unbiased information based on proper research.

Please do not be irresponsible to spread misinformation and propaganda in YouTube videos.

Remember that all this digital presence will last forever, and continue to misguide, misinform, and mislead, and strengthen fake news.

Why not make an attempt to discover and share the facts so that all are informed and aware?

This is not only about Rasgulla, but also about all other topics.

I’m participating in the April #A2ZChallenge #BlogchatterA2Z

Y For- YouTube

I am writing A-Z posts about Rasagola- 26 #RasagolaA2Z posts this April :

A- A To Z of Rasagola - April 1- Utkala Dibasa

B- Blatant Lies And Biased Reports About Rasgulla Invention

C- Cottage-Cheese, Chhena And Comments About Rasgulla

D- Rasgulla Day - Rasagola Dibasa Celebration

E- Odisha Rasagola At Exhibitions And Events

F- Facts, Fake News, And False Information About Rasgulla

G- GI Tags of Odisha And Odisha Rasagola

H- Historical Evidence of Rasgulla And Research

I- Indigenous Knowledge, IPR, Rasgulla And Indian Sweets

J- Lord Jagannatha's Favourite Sweet & Food

K- Khirmohan And Rasagola

L- List of Lunar & Solar Indian New Year Days

M- Maha Bishuba Sankranti Or Pana Sankranti

N- Name Rasgulla, Niladri Bije And New Year Wishes

O- Odisha Art And Sweet- Pattachitra And Rasgulla 

P- Proposal to Odisha Government For Rasagola And GI Celebration

Q- Quiz About Rasgulla 

R- Rasabali And Rasagola

S- Rasgulla Songs- Odia Songs Dedicated To Rasagola 

T- Text-books, Torture, And Rasgulla GI Tag

U- Uniform Spelling And Authorised Users of Rasagola

V- Valuable Victorious Virtue - Valour

W- Wikipedia, Rasgulla War, Wife And Husband Fight

X- EXperts And Rasgulla And GI Tag

This sincere attempt is to share information about Rasagola/Rasgulla and #EndRasgullaDebate.
Rasagola is a part of Odisha's traditional knowledge, continuing tradition, cultural heritage and identity.  
More Rasagola posts here.
This is my fifth #A2Z Challenge, and my last four challenges have been about Odisha, India. 
Are you aware of Rasagola/Rasgulla? Did you know that Rasgulla originated in Odisha? 

Please do share any information about Rasgulla that you may have and which you feel must be documented and shared so that all are aware. 

Wednesday, 28 April 2021

EXperts And Rasgulla And GI Tag #RasagolaA2Z

This post is about "My Experience With some Experts" regarding Odisha Rasagola GI tag.


April 26th is World Intellectual Property (IP) Day.

Geographical Indication (GI) is a type of IP.

This writer has been attempting to share information and create awareness regarding GI. 

A few days ago, it was shocking to see an "expert" still (mis)using the word "Patent" instead of "GI".

Like GI, Patent too is a type of IP. 

Despite this writer having shared much information regarding GI over the past couple of years, and this particular expert also being a part of the group that has been constantly bombarded with GI info, the said expert still continued using the word "patent" while discussing Odisha Rasagola GI tag on an Odia news channel!


Tuesday, 27 April 2021

Wikipedia, Rasgulla War, Wife And Husband Fight #RasagolaA2Z

 Wikipedia

Wikipedia is a popular website that is consulted by many to refer to and check information.
But, misleading and wrong information published and available there, gets further impetus when quoted, shared and propagated.

This has happened in the case of the dessert Rasgulla i.e. Rasagola.
While the Wikipedia entry regarding this 'king of sweets' earlier (prior to 2015) showed Odisha as the place of origin as the sweet, the present Wiki article, after many edits and revisions over the years, now has incorrect information.

In the last couple of years, especially from 2015 when Odisha celebrated the Rasagola Dibasa i.e. Rasgulla Day, there has been propaganda and wrong information even in leading newspapers. Such sources have been cited as references for many articles published in Wikipedia.

Note- Rasagola has always been called Rasagola in the Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri.

Sunday, 25 April 2021

Valuable Victorious Virtue- Valour #RasagolaA2Z

Valour is great courage in the fact of danger, especially in battle. 

Courage is the ability to control your fear in a dangerous or difficult situation.

Courage is to stand up with and for what is right-

To voluntarily join the battle/war & take up the fight.

Courage is aiming to be victor, immersing in war/battle-

Not “burying your head”, “watching the fun”, or belittle.

To fight with valour, though opposition has might.

Not be disheartened or lose the goal-post in sight.

Courage is to create path, swim against the tide, or wade,

It's courage when you are voluble & call a spade a spade. 

Saturday, 24 April 2021

Uniform Spelling And Authorised Users Of Odisha Rasagola #RasagolaA2Z

The word Rasgulla is spelled in many different ways in India. 

There is no uniformity though the Hindi word "Rasgulla" is more commonly used. The pronunciation too depends on the spelling.

Actually, even Odisha state's name, language and dance- Odisha, Odia and Odissi are constantly being misspelled by all, including those in power. 

Is it too tough to take care and spell correctly?
Spelling someone's name right is also ensuring and showing love, respect, and care.

At least Rasagola must be spelled the same all across the state of Odisha.
This writer has been trying to explain this to the producer groups, government officials, intellectuals, social media users, and all. 
More in this blog post- #RasagolaDibasa - Spelling Is Rasagola 

Initiating #RasagolaDibasa i.e. Hashtag - "Rasagola Dibasa" online, apart from informing all that Odisha is the birthplace of the Rasagola and Niladri Bije is a centuries-old continuing tradition of Rath Yatra, was an attempt to stress on our Rasagola spelling too.

Why is Rasagola still being allowed to be spelled in so many different ways? 
Even after celebrating #RasagolaDibasa online for the last couple of years starting 2015, and despite eminent sand-artist Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik creating amazing sand-art with "Rasagola Dibasa" prominently mentioned, why do some people distort our Rasagola's spelling and even use different hashtag by changing the spelling of Dibasa to Divas or Diwas or Divasa etc?

Friday, 23 April 2021

Text-books, Torture, And Rasgulla GI Tag #RasagolaA2Z

Rasgulla, being the 'king of sweets', is a favourite sweet and popular treat for many.

Rasgulla makes its rich presence felt in many occasions, events, and celebrations.

But, before 2015, when we celebrated #RasagolaDibasa online, very few even associated Odisha with Rasagola.

Ever wonder why and how is it that Odisha is never the top-of-mind recall when Rasgulla is discussed?

Text-Books

Rasgulla finds generous mention in the text-books.

My friend, Smt. Sujata Padhy, informed me that her daughter's text-book has a question about Rasgulla. I requested her to share a photograph of the said question. 

She sent the following image of the said page from her daughter's Std III Social Studies text-book:


I have been researching about Rasagola for long and have been thinking a lot about what is being taught, especially after finding more such questions and text from text-books-

Thursday, 22 April 2021

Rasgulla Songs - Odia Songs Dedicated To Rasagola #RasagolaA2Z

Despite being the birthplace of Rasagola, Odisha did not have many songs dedicated to Rasagola. 
However, thanks to our celebration of #RasagolaDibasa online from 2015 onwards, the "Rasgulla debate/controversy" was sparked, and now there are many songs in honour of this sweet delicacy.
Rasgulla songs have not only been created in Odia language, but in many other languages of India also. 

Just do a simple search for Rasgulla songs on Google/YouTube. How many results can you find?

The activism and advocacy for Rasagola Dibasa celebration and for Odisha Rasagola Geographical Indication (GI) tag resulted in some creative song and music endeavour. 
Some of them are shared below:

1) Rasagola Song 

Rapper Big Deal included Rasagola in his rap song.
From 2015, this writer has been contacting stakeholders and eminent personalities of different fields and sensitizing them about the Rasagola issue and requesting for support for representation of Rasagola and Odisha in the media. 
Audio visual media like songs, documentaries, movies etc. have a great impact. 

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

Rasabali And Rasagola #RasagolaA2Z

Odisha has many sweets and treats.

Most people are yet to be introduced to the rich cuisine of Odisha.

Odisha has many sweets starting with the word- Rasa.

You can learn more about them in this post- Rasa, Rasakora, Rasabara, And Rasagola in Odia 

Rasabali and Rasagola are traditional sweets of Odisha that are prepared using cottage-cheese i.e. chhena. They have been offered as bhog/prasad for centuries at important temples namely- Shree Baladevjew Temple, Kendrapara, & Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri.

But, many are yet to taste these Odia sweets.

As this writer has been constantly stressing, we need to promote these by ensuring branding and uniform spelling all across-

Rasabali (not Rasavali or Rasaballi etc.) & Rasagola (not Rasogolla or Rosogolla etc.)

Tuesday, 20 April 2021

Quiz About Rasgulla #RasagolaA2Z

Many Quiz books have the correct information that- Odisha is the birthplace of Rasgulla/Rasagola.  

Here is one of the questions of the first Odisha Quiz that I had conducted on Twitter in 2014-

How many answers you know about the "King of Sweets"- Rasgulla?

It is called "Rasagola" in Odisha.

Let us check your RQ- Rasagola Quotient :)

Questions:

Q1- Odisha Rasagola has got the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2019- 

A) True

B) False 

Q2- Name the place in Odisha where Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik, sand-artist, has created these sand art-

Monday, 19 April 2021

Proposal To Odisha Government For Rasagola And GI Celebration #RasagolaA2Z

We have been celebrating Rasagola Dibasa on Social Media on Niladri Bije starting 2015.
July 30, 2015 was the Niladri Bije of the Nabakalebara Ratha Jatra.
This year 2021 will mark the 7th celebration.

There were many developments after our maiden Rasagola Dibasa celebration online. (Many people didn't even know about Niladri Bije till then.) 
It was encouraging to see the action following earnest request for Geographical Indication (GI) application for Odisha Rasagola.
For some intellectuals, GI tag did/does not matter and some find/found it - "amusing to see netizens being vocal about GI tag just because of some sort of ill-reasoned vanity & self admiration." 

It was wonderful that our advocacy for Odisha Rasagola GI Tag was rewarded.

Saturday, 17 April 2021

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.

Friday, 16 April 2021

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
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.

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