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

Where Are You From?

So, where are you from?

This figures in a conversation where people are meeting for the first time and want to know where others are from.

  

I understand that people are keen to know about our place of origin.

Whenever I am encountered with such a question, I answer- 'India'.

Then, after they give me an ofcourse-I-know-you-are-from-India look, I am further questioned, where in India?

Hera Panchami

Ratha Jatra or Rath Yatra is celebrated every year.

It is a grand festival that began in the Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha, and is still celebrated as per the ancient rules. Ratha Jatra is also celebrated all over the world.

          

The three deities namely, Lord Jagannath and his siblings- Lord Balabhadra & Devi Subhadra go on their annual visit to their aunt's place. When the brothers along with their sister go for their Rath Yatra, they do not take Lord Jagannath's wife, Goddess Maa Lakshmi along with them.