Kendrapara Rasabali - GI Tag of Odisha India

Kendrapara Rasabali has earned the GI Tag yesterday, i.e. on 3rd October, 2023.

Rasabali is a chhena-based dessert of Odisha.

You can read more about it on my blog post here-

http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2020/07/kendrapada-rasabali.html

Yes, a proud moment for our Odisha state & nation.🎊

The first few lines of the GI product Specification have been taken from the Kendrapara Rasabali blog post of this very blog- "The Explorer of Miracles"!

Does Rasabali Have A Hole Like Doughnut?

Rasabali is a traditional Chhena sweet of Odisha.

It is a bhoga/offering at Shree Baladevjew Temple, Kendrapara, Odisha.

As a part of the ongoing month-long promotional program by NCHMCT in collaboration with Ministry of Tourism on regional cuisine, IHM Bhubaneswar presents the traditional regional cuisine - 'Rasabali' a sweet dish from Odisha!#SkillDevelopment #CulinaryFest pic.twitter.com/i8tB1DrgaM

— Ministry of Tourism (@tourismgoi) August 17, 2023

More information about Kendrapara Rasabali here-

http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2020/07/kendrapada-rasabali.html

Source: Mobile News

By now, many are aware that the Geographical Indication (GI) application for "Kendrapara Rasabali" has been submitted and it will earn the GI tag shortly.

Maa Biraja, Jajpur, Odisha - Shakti Peetha

Devi puja i.e. Goddess worship is being done for many centuries in India. 

During Navaratri, Durga Puja, and Dussehra festivals, many Goddesses are worshipped, especially Devi Durga. 

There are Shakti Peethas, where it is believed that the different parts of Devi Sati had fallen. According to the Tantra Chudamani, Sati's navel fell in the Utkala Kingdom. 

Maa Biraja Peetha is the Shakti Peetha where the naabhi i.e. the navel portion had fallen. Some Shakti Peethas are present in Odisha.

In his Ashtadasha Shakti Peetha Stuti, AdiShankara describes the goddess as "Girija". 

In Tantra literature, the Oddiyana Peetha is located near the Baitarani river. Oddiyana is an ornament worn by a woman around her navel.

Devi Durga is worshipped as Maa Biraja in this Peetha. 

Image Courtesy- Jajpur District Administration

Maa Biraja Temple is an ancient temple with a unique Mahishasuramardini i.e. the killer of Mahishasura-  idol. The Durga idol has two hands, spearing the chest of Mahishasura with one hand and pulling his tail with the other. One of Her feet is on a lion, and the other is on Mahishasura's chest.

The Mahishasura is depicted as a Buffalo, and not as regular human demon. The crown of Maa Biraja has the symbols of Shree Ganesha, crescent moon, and a Shivalinga.

The Biraja Temple is located in Jajpur that is known as the "ancient capital of Orissa" (Odisha). It is about 125 kilometers north of Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha.

Courtesy: Wikipedia

River Baitarani flows beside the Biraja temple. The temple covers a large area and has several shrines dedicated to Shiva and other deities. According to the Utkala Khanda of the Skanda Purana, as this area cleanses pilgrims, it is called the Biraja Kshetra.

The mention of Maa Biraja is also in Brahma Purana, Kapila Samhita and the Mahabharata.

It is said that when cursed Lord Brahma was worshipping, then pleased with his prayers, Maa Biraja appeared. The original temple was built by King Yayati Keshari. However, it was destroyed by invaders. Thereafter, the present temple was built.

Entrance- Image Courtesy- Jajpur District Administration

Maa Biraja is the only Goddess in the world who has Her own Ratha Jatra (Rath Yatra i.e. Chariot Festival) It lasts for 9 days during Durga Puja celebration.

Yes, there is a Ratha Jatra, just like in the ShreeMandira i.e. the Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri. 

The Shree Jagannatha Ratha Jatra is well-known, but many are yet to know of the Ratha Jatra of Maa Biraja.

ମା ଵିରଜା ରଥ ଯାତ୍ରା🙏🙏#ଯାଜପୁର pic.twitter.com/sD3wrla7K5

— ଶୁଭ୍ରାଂଶୁ (@Subhran89) October 11, 2021

 

As per the tradition, the chalanti pratima (idol to represent Maa Biraja) is taken for the Ratha Jatra. Lord Brahma is the sarathi (charioteer) of Her Ratha. 

During Ratha Jatra, Maa Biraja is offered Rasagola (Rasgulla) as bhog.

Facts, Fake News, and False Information About Rasgulla #RasagolaA2Z

Many people are not aware about Rasgulla's centuries-old continuing cultural and historical association with Odisha and Puri Rath Yatra. 

Many think Odisha 'lost' and Bengal 'won' the Rasgulla battle/war.

Blatant lies and biased reports regarding Rasgulla/Rasagola still continue freely, unchecked and unabashed.

Myths about cottage-cheese, chhena and Rasagola are regularly shared.

Odisha Rasagola At Exhibitions and Events #RasagolaA2Z

Rasgulla or Rasagola is offered on the last day of the Ratha Jatra.

Many people do not know about this ancient continuing tradition - that has been continuing every year, for the past several centuries. This establishes Rasgulla's link with Odisha.

Many are yet to know that Odisha has earned the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag for Odisha Rasagola. Earning the tag has given a chance to the Registered Proprietors and Authorised Users to be represented in GI Exhibitions.

In the past GI exhibitions in which this writer was a part, Odisha Rasagola could not earn a place as it had not earned the GI tag then.

The public can be introduced to Rasagola if they get to see and taste and experience Rasagola at one place.

Rasgulla Day - Rasagola Dibasa Celebration #RasagolaA2Z

Day is called Dibasa in Odia. 

Rasagola Dibasa or Rasgulla Day means a day to celebrate Rasagola.

Did you know about Rasgulla Day?

The first celebration of a day for Rasgulla was done in Odisha, India.

No matter by what spelling it is referred to- Rasgulla Divas, Rasagola Diwas etc, the fact remains that Odisha not only invented the sweet, but it also has been celebrating a day for Rasgulla.

No one really knows how old is the celebration of "Niladri Bije", the last day of the Ratha Jatra, when Rasagola is traditionally offered to Maa Lakshmi and Shree Jagannatha at the Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri. If you ask an average Odia about "Rasagola Day", they will tell you about Niladri Bije.

It is said- "Ratha Jatra jebethu, Rasagola sebethu." - Rasagola is as old as the Ratha Jatra.

Niladri Bije is celebrated each year on-ground and as a continuing tradition from many centuries in the Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri, and in many other religious places like mathas and temples.

There was a need to propose and initiate celebration of Rasagola Dibasa on social media & online & also to join in the offline Niladri Bije celebrations to change wrong perceptions-

Myth 1. Rasgulla was invented in Bengal. 

Reality- Odisha is the birthplace of Rasgulla

Myth 2. All Chhena sweets are associated only with Bengal. 

Reality - Odisha has been the pioneer of Chhena sweets and other sweets.

Myth 3. Portuguese taught Indians how to prepare Cottage-Cheese i.e. Chhena. 

Reality of Cottage-Cheese or Chhena

Cottage-Cheese, Chhena, And Comments About Rasgulla #RasagolaA2Z

Cottage-cheese or Chhena, a milk product, is the main ingredient required to produce the 'King of Sweets"- Rasagola or Rasgulla.

Milk is split or curdled to create Chhena.

Odisha earned the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Odisha Rasagola on 29 July, 2019.

However, a false narrative has been set. The following myths are still being propagated-

Myth 1. Curdled milk or Chhena is "impure" and hence "taboo" and cannot be offered to God.

Myth 2. Chhena is not offered in any temple as there are restrictions.

Blatant Lies And Biased Reports About Rasgulla Invention #RasagolaA2Z

Blatant lies have been and are still being peddled about Rasgulla and "Bengali invention".

Do you know the history of this "king of sweets"?

Your version of the story will depend on your source of information.

Check out this video for the special "Rasgulla History" report by Zee News. 

Here is another report by Zee News about Rasgulla's Birthplace.

Money power and propaganda can succeed in creating such fake stories.

These reports claim that Bengal is the birthplace of Rasgulla! They are also claiming Rasmalai dish was invented in Bengal!

Though both these reports are of March 2021, they don't even mention that Odisha has earned the Odisha Rasagola GI in 2019. Zee News has made it look that only Bengal is synonymous with Rasgulla!

Why is wrong news report regarding #Rasgulla again being shown on @ZeeTV @ZeeNews?
Why false info @zeenewseditor @ZeeNewsSudhir? #Rasagola is a traditional Odia dessert with cultural & historical link with Shree Jagannatha #Puri #Odisha@sudhirchaudhary, pl share correct info🙏

— Dr. Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) March 4, 2021

What you know has been fed by either media or people you know, who in turn are fed by media and people they know! 

This is a bad case of 'Chinese Whispers'. One media house publishes a false or misleading report with vested interests, and others may reuse the same biased report & continue the trend.

Also, of money and muscle power. Truth is suppressed by the so-called "superior intellectual and cultural prowess". Superior people must not steal others credit and identity. 

This is a glaring case of cultural appropriation.

A To Z of Rasagola - April 1 #UtkalDivas #RasagolaA2Z

When you hear the word- Rasagola or Rasgulla, what comes to your mind?

Most people in India would recognize this "King of Sweets".

However, those who have not heard about it or tasted it, may not realize what they have been missing. 

"The proof of the Rasagola is in the eating."

Today is April 1st- celebrated as- Utkal Divas / Utkala Dibasa i.e. Odisha Day.

In Odisha, we have multiple reasons to celebrate many festivities and every occasion with Rasagola - be it birthday, anniversary, grihapravesh, thread-ceremony...even death ceremony.

Just eat and celebrate sweetness with Rasagola, and all is well.

All is well till someone (read an Odia) tries to bring out the truth about Rasagola - that Odisha is the birthplace of Rasagola! That's when all either oppose or say that this is inconsequential! 

Kendrapara Rasabali

Rasabali is a traditional sweet of Odisha that is prepared using  chhena i.e. cottage-cheese and thickened sweetened milk. 

This sweet is being offered everyday for the past several centuries at the Baladevjew Temple at Kendrapara district of Odisha. 

It is also one of the bhoga of the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha.

Rasabali is a very popular sweet dish and has many fans.

Odisha Rasagola - Sweet Treat Of Odisha #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia

Odisha Rasagola earned the Geographical Indication (GI) tag on July 29, 2019.

This news did not get the deserving attention by many national newspapers and some media channels.
Even now there is misleading and fake news regarding Rasgulla- Misinformation About Rasagola Still Continues.
Thus, many are not aware of this GI tag of Odisha.

How can the facts come to light when there is propaganda or when they are suppressed?

ODISHA NEVER "LOST" #Rasgulla #GITag.

W.Bengal applied for "Banglar Rasogolla"on 18Sep'15; GI on 14Nov'17.

Bengal's Rosogolla"origin"-1868-150yrs old.

Odisha hadn't applied.

Odisha applied for "Odisha Rasagola"on 23Feb'18; GI on 29Jul'19.#OdishaRasagola centuries-old #RathYatra pic.twitter.com/HZL1cJBrtU

— Dr. Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) August 5, 2019

The spelling of Odisha Rasagola has the spelling "Odisha" as the application was submitted in 2019.
However, "Orissa Ikat" and "Orissa Pattachitra" have the old spelling "Orissa" as they were registered before Orissa state's name change to Odisha.
You can read more here- Odisha Geographical Indications And Spellings

Babuna And Rasagola Film

"Babuna" is the name of a young Odia boy, who is the protagonist in the stories written by Shri Swaraj Mishra. The name of his book is Babuna. It was published by "Ama Odisha Publication" five years ago.

The stories feature the pranks and adventures of the young lad set in a village in Odisha, India, in the early seventies. Babuna has a field day with his cycle and the village is his field of action!

Shri Swaraj Mishra has based the interesting tales on his own childhood and his village. For him, it was like wearing the shoes of Babuna and taking a trip down the memory lane, reliving and weaving those memories of camaraderie, love, and also pain.

In January 2016, Shri Mishra had uploaded a video of the book trailer of Babuna.

On March 1st, 2018, Dola Purnima, a Palanquin carried Special Cover for Rasagola in Shree Jagannath ji's Cuisine was released by the Department of Posts at Puri, Odisha.

Shri Swaraj Mishra and yours truly were also part of the team that had worked to make this possible.

After our Rasagola postal-cover release at Puri, while we were returning to Bhubaneswar by car, I got to learn that Swaraj Babu is the author of several books including quiz-books and story-books. I asked Swaraj Babu if he had written any stories on Rasagola. I was excited when he answered in the affirmative. He had indeed penned a real-life story! He shared the brief story-line that featured Rasagola and friendship. I enthusiastically requested him to get his interesting story filmed at the earliest.

Thereafter, I called and messaged him a number of times in this regard.

I met him many times while working for the GI Tag application of Odisha Rasagola.

He said that he had been devoting time for the Rasagola film project. He had invested his own funds and the movie was slowly taking shape. Then, work had stopped for some time owing to other constraints.

Then, next year, in January 2019, I came across a poster about the 4th Golden Triangle International Film Festival  (GTIFF) to be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. 
A certain "Rasogolla" film was also in the list of films to be screened. 

Till then, I was aware of only two people, who were working on Rasagola films, both on my request. Shri Swaraj Mishra was one of them.

But, I was not not sure if his movie was complete.

Had it been over and ready for release, he would have informed/invited us for this, I reasoned.

Plus, the spelling would have been our spelling- "Rasagola" as I had been requesting everyone to use a uniform spelling to refer to the Rasagola of Odisha as- The Spelling is Rasagola.

I shared the Film Festival schedule in our WhatsApp group in which Shri Swaraj Mishra is also a member.

Shri Mishra replied that it was indeed his movie that was to be screened. However, it was a work-in-progress.

Everything had happened so fast and his film's entry in the GTIFF had been hurried, which is why he couldn't inform us in advance. The spelling changes, updates in English translation, and other technical requirements would still need more time and will be addressed later. Though the movie was a draft version and much work was left, yet the incomplete work was being screened for the select audience.

On 12th February, 2019, I attended the screening at the GTIFF and cheered for Rasagola short-film.

Got to learn from the organizers that the Rasagola film was very popular & viewers showed interest to watch it everyday of the screening. Though it was scheduled for one day, it had already been screened for the jury & audience on popular demand!

The very word Rasagola evokes sweetness. And this 'Rasagola' movie was the labour of love that depicted a sweet story of friendship and love for Rasagola.

Though it is an emotional story, the film sparked joy for me as I had sincerely pressurized the story-writer to make this film! I appreciate his commitment as the actual making of a film takes a lot of effort. 

Rasagola film received a Certificate of Appreciation by the Jury at the 4th Golden Triangle International Film Festival, and Shri Swaraj Mishra received it that evening i.e. on 12th February, 2019.

On 17th December, 2019, we got the great news from Shri Mishra that Rasagola film had earned the Film certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)! 

Last evening, on 13th January 2020, Rasagola film was shown to a select intellectual gathering at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bhubaneswar. We thank the organisers of 'Mukta Chintana Mancha' for their interest to screen this film. The touching movie earned a wonderful audience reaction and feedback.

We acknowledge that getting a movie made is tough. 

Am so glad that Shri Swaraj Mishra has successfully completed this work of art.

I congratulate and thank Swaraj Babu & all those associated with this film.

I really feel so happy & proud. 

May this film make it to international festivals. 
May Lord Jagannath bless for many more such movies & books.

Looking forward to the upcoming movie premiere of Rasagola film. The world can watch it soon. 

Odisha Rasagola has earned the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag on July 29, 2019.

The proof of the Rasagola is in the eating! 
In the future screenings, Odisha Rasagola packs can accompany the Rasagola film too. 

Not only should viewers watch the film, and experience the emotions of Odias with this delectable syrupy dessert, they should get to taste Odisha Rasagola.

It is amazing what an inspiring conversation with creative & enthusiastic people can do! 
I love movies. Also, it's great to see ideas in action. 

What sparks joy in you? Do share in the comments below.

Linking with IndiSpire #307 and ABC Wednesday- B for Babuna

#RasagolaDibasa : The Spelling Is RASAGOLA

Rasagola has a historical and cultural link with Odisha, a state of eastern India.
Read about 'Rasa', Rasakora, Rasabara, Rasagola in Odia Dictionary here.

Rasagola is a centuries-old Mahaprasad of Puri Jagannath Temple that is offered to Lord Jagannath and His wife, Mahalakshmi, every year on Niladri Bije, the last day of Ratha Jatra (Car Festival). 
However, most of the world is still unaware about the real origin of Rasagola.

Following the Banglar Rasogolla GI tag in November last year, there has been blatant misinformation. 
Even pink papers like the Economic Times and sites like the Conde Nast Traveller have presented distorted and misleading reports.
You can read these posts for more- "Battle" Over Rasgulla - Misleading Media Reports 
 & Rasagola Project #RasagolaProject

Why is it that no national media reports news about Rasagola in Shree Jagannathji's cuisine?
Why all the national papers did not find this interesting for publication- that this special cover has been released by the Department of Posts?

Palanquin Carried Special Cover for Rasagola Released by the Department of Posts at Puri Head Post Office, Odishahttps://t.co/xTBSRCH2Ik#AToZChallenge #BlogchatterA2Z #Post #IndiaPost #SriJagannath #Cuisine #Food #OdishaRasagola #RasagolaProject #Rasgulla #Rasogolla #Rosogolla pic.twitter.com/nufdKs9HF8

— Dr. Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) April 19, 2018

"Battle" Over Rasgulla - Misleading Media Information

"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.

Rasagola Dibasa In Social Media

Once a year, we get to find many posts, tweets and images celebrating Rasagola Dibasa #RasagolaDibasa. Our Social Media timelines get filled with information and tempting pictures of Rasagolas. This post has some FAQs about Rasagola Dibasa in Social Media.

What is Rasagola Dibasa? 

Rasagola Dibasa is a day in the honour of Rasagolas and also dedicated to the lovers of this delicious sweet/dessert. 

In Odia language, the word Dibasa means day.

#RasagolaDibasa means Rasagola Day.

#RasagolaDibasa is a day of celebration just like #PakhalaDibasa and #UtkalaDibasa; Rasagola-lovers celebrate Rasagolas on this day! 

How, when and where did Rasagola Dibasa begin?

Niladri Bije is the last day of the Ratha Jatra. On this day, devotees offer Rasagolas as 'bhoga' to Lord Jagannath. Thus, Rasagolas have been associated with Puri Jagannath's Ratha Jatra for centuries. 

Niladri Bije connection with Rasagolas

When the Gods enter the Temple after their trip to their aunt's place, Lord Jagannath is permitted to enter the Temple premises only after He placates His wife, Goddess Lakshmi by offering her Rasagolas. She is angry and asks many questions that Lord Jagannath answers during their conversation called 'Bachanika'. Sweet Rasagolas come to the rescue of the Lord of the Universe and help Him gain entrance!

In Social Media, the idea began on Twitter with the hashtag- #RasagolaDibasa with everyone's involvement starting from March 2015 onwards.

Why was Rasagola Dibasa proposed to be celebrated on Social Media?

Social Media has great power to educate people and dispel wrong notions. In Social Media, Rasagola Dibasa with the hashtag #RasagolaDibasa was proposed to celebrate Rasagolas. Social Media was the medium adopted to reach everyone and share about Odisha's Rasagola history and information that Odisha is the birthplace of the Rasagola. Many are not aware about Odisha's culture and Niladri Bije of Ratha Jatra that has the Rasagola connection for centuries now.

Rasagola has centuries-old link with Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri

Celebration of Rasagola Day

Today is July 30- celebrated as International Day of Friendship. It was declared by the General Assembly of United Nations in 2011.

Last year in 2015, we had started our celebration of the Rasgulla Day or Rasagola Day i.e. #RasagolaDibasa on this very date July 30th as it happened to be 'Niladri Bije' - the last day of the Rath Yatra. 

Rasagolas- Yummy Sweets that originated in Odisha

Many don't know about Niladri Bije- this centuries-old tradition of the Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha, India where Lord Jagannath offers His wife, Maa Lakshmi Rasagolas and then only He is granted entry inside the Temple after He arrives from His journey with His siblings!

Niladri Bije is the day when devotees offer Rasagolas to Lord Jagannath.

This year, Niladri Bije was on July 17th and we celebrated the 2nd Rasagola Day with great happiness.

My SandArt at PuriBeach in Odisha for #RasagolaDibasa . It is celebrated on NiladriBije of Lord #Jagannath pic.twitter.com/BDCcScsavL

— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) July 16, 2016

15 FAQs about Rasagola Day

July 17th 2016 was a Sunday. Sundays are reserved for Raahgiri in some Indian cities like Bhubaneswar. On Raahgiri Sundays, a fixed stretch of road is cordoned off and kept traffic-free. Public is free to reclaim the street & walk, cycle, skate, paint, exercise, sing, dance & participate in Raahgiri events that are held on that particular road.

15 Facts About Rasagola Dibasa - FAQs

Here are some FAQs about Rasagola Dibasa. 
Take a look at the following 15 facts:

1. What is Rasagola Dibasa? 

A- Rasagola Dibasa is a day dedicated to Rasagolas.
In Odia language, Dibasa means day.
#RasagolaDibasa means Rasagola Day.

#RasagolaDibasa is a day of celebration just like #PakhalaDibasa and #UtkalaDibasa; Rasagola-lovers celebrate Rasagolas on this day! 


2. Where did the idea of Rasagola Dibasa begin?

A- The idea began on Twitter in tweets starting from March 2015 onwards with the hashtag- #RasagolaDibasa.


3. Why was Rasagola Dibasa proposed?

A- Rasagola Dibasa was proposed to celebrate Rasagolas by sharing Odisha's Rasagola story & glory. The world needs to be informed that Odisha is the birthplace of the Rasagola. Odisha's rich & ancient culture & heritage & Niladri Bije of Rath Yatra/Ratha Jatra has the Rasagola connection.

Rasagola has association with Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri

4. When was the first Rasagola Dibasa celebrated?

A- The first Rasagola Dibasa was celebrated on July 30, 2015 to commemorate Niladri Bije- the last day of the Ratha Jatra.
As 2015 was the year of the Nabakalebara that took place after 19 years, this special and sweet celebration was planned.


5. Why was Niladri Bije chosen for Rasagola Dibasa celebration?

A- Niladri Bije is a centuries-old Puri Temple custom and the ritual of Lord Jagannath associated with the Ratha Jatra. It marks the entry of the Gods to the Temple after their trip to their aunt's place. Rasagola works its magic to open the Temple's gate for Lord Jagannath. 

On this last day of the Ratha Jatra, Lord Jagannath is permitted to enter the Temple premises only after He placates by offering Rasagolas to His wife, Goddess Lakshmi. She is angry. Sweet Rasagolas help the Lord of the Universe!

Niladri Bije connection with Rasagolas

Chhenapoda - Uncommon Food

The state of Odisha in India boasts of many unique dishes. Chhenapoda is such an uncommon food that interests the foodie in me. 
In Odia language, Chhena means ‘cottage cheese’ and Poda means ‘burnt’. Chhenapoda literally means ‘burnt cheese’. When one thinks of home-made soft cottage cheese, one can never think such an uncommon dish can be prepared out of it, unless one has tasted Chhenapoda and the other similar uncommon foods. While Chhenapoda is available in many places in Odisha, it is yet to have a national presence and identity unlike the Rasagola that was born in Odisha too and has links with Lord Jagannath, Maa Lakshmi & the Puri Temple, but is very famous both in India and abroad.

Chhenapoda looks like a soft, caramelized pudding or cake with brownish black covering. Don’t go by its burnt looks as it tastes divine. It was first created in the twentieth century by inventors Bidyadhar Sahu and his son Sudarshan Sahu in Nayagarh, Odisha. Their experiment, to put the excess chhena to use, worked. It became popular as many places in Odisha followed their recipe and process. It is baked with coal. These days, Chhenapoda is even prepared at homes by using the modern gadgets- microwave, oven & pressure-cooker etc.

Ingredients for the Chhenapoda:

For the Chhena or Cottage Cheese:

1.5 Litres milk

Curd, or Whey

For the Chhenapoda:

2 cups Chhena or Cottage Cheese

2 cups Sugar powdered

4 tbsp Semolina/Sooji

4 Cardamoms powdered

1 tbsp Cashew nuts

1 tbsp Raisins

1 tbsp Sugar for Caramel

2 tbsp Ghee

Preparation of Chhena:

Boil milk. When it starts boiling, simmer and add curd or whey. Milk curdles and Chhena separates. Boil for a minute and switch off the flame. Sieve the Chhena through a strainer. Tie in a dhoti or gamuchha cloth and let the water drain out.

Preparation of Caramel:

Melt Ghee on a low flame, add the sugar and twirl the pan around to spread the Caramel evenly.

Method of Preparation of the Chhenapoda:

Knead the Chhena and Semolina (added to bind the dough.)

Add the Sugar, powdered Cardamom, Raisins & Cashew-nuts to the mashed Chhena. Knead them all together. Place the mixture on the Caramel, and bake. 

This uncommon soft food is the result. 

Slice and serve it hot or cold & eat!

I feel Chhenapoda needs to graduate from being uncommon to being available everywhere. An enhanced shelf-life will help. This traditional cake must be the first choice on birthdays, anniversaries and other such special occasions. With its great taste, Chhenapoda has a great potential to entice all and earn the adulation and fame it deserves.

I went on a trip down the memory lane recollecting uncommon foods thanks to the culinary stars, Vikas & Vir, talking about their #Foodventures. 

Have you ever tried Chhenapoda? Which is the uncommon food that you have experienced? Please share your views in the comments below.