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.
The GI Application for Odisha Rasagola was submitted on February 23, 2018.
Odisha Rasagola earned the GI tag on July 29, 2019.
Last year's Niladri Bije marked the first anniversary of our Odisha Rasagola GI tag.
However, till now, many people are unaware about GIs and the fact that Odisha has earned the GI Tag.
Many simply know that there was a controversy regarding Rasgulla involving Bengal and Odisha, and that Odisha "lost"!
Starting 2015, this writer has been consistently requesting the state government to conduct a state-wide event for Rasagola.
Based on this writer's request, just as shared in this blog post-
Rasagola Dibasa (published on 13 July, 2015), the Sambad Group, thanks to the initiative of Ms. Tanaya Patnaik,
arranged
an exhibition of the different varieties of Odisha Rasagola at the first Rasagola exhibition at Bhubaneswar on July 30, 2015.
Starting 2015, Pahala Rasagola sweet-makers have been organizing Rasagola Dibasa celebration at Pahala each year on Niladri Bije.
OTV conducted Rasagola Mahotsav for three years- Makar Sankranti 2018, 2019, and 2020- where a large variety of Rasagolas of Odisha were available.
On Makar Sankranti, January 15, 2020, OTV organized the third Rasagola Mahotsav, where they honoured this writer's request and showcased the 17 GIs of Odisha. Visitors got to see the names and logos at the information board and clicked images at the Selfie-point.
Despite the above mentioned initiatives by private Odisha organizations, these were not covered or highlighted by the national media.
In contrast, West Bengal Government copied our Rasagola Dibasa and Rasagola Mahotsav celebrations and they got great coverage in national media.
Government celebration of such events can generate more media coverage.
People are still unaware about the variety of Rasagola available in Odisha.
Many feel Odisha just has "brown" Rasagola!
Fake stories about Chhena and Rasagola still continue.
A State Rasagola Celebration will inform all.
Odisha Rasagola is available in multiple varieties- different colours, flavours & sizes.
Odisha Govt. has a lot many sweet-shops registered.
All districts of Odisha can be represented.
Visitors can get to taste and learn about the vast variety of Rasagola and other Chhena sweets of Odisha.
People must get a chance to experience our culture and heritage.
We can get more Authorised Users for Odisha Rasagola registered, who can use the GI logo and tag.
National media will hopefully cover. Info about the reality of Rasagola origin can be shared.
Last year, this writer had requested the Govt of Odisha to have a special celebration and GI Function for having earned Odisha Rasagola GI Tag.
The idea is to showcase and celebrate the GIs of Odisha too, including Odisha Rasagola, at an event and raise awareness.
Article- Geographical Indications (GIs) of Odisha- published in the Utkala Dibasa April 2020 issue of the Odisha Review magazine of the Government of Odisha. The full article is here.
As Covid played spoilsport last year, this writer has been sharing this proposal on many forums. We hope that when things are better, such GI elebrations will be organized by state Govt.
Also, we must ensure representation and participation of Odisha in national events, exhibitions and festivals. Government and groups must help facilitate this.
Do read this report to learn how popular lip-smacking sweets from some states drew the attention of the food lovers in the International Kite and Sweets festival organised at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad. More than 1,000 varieties of sweets from different states and countries were showcased at the event. Lakhs of visitors throng to such events. Participation must be seen as an opportunity to establish our brand.
If Odisha's sweets are not available, then people will not know or be aware.
'Jo Dikhta Hai, Wo Bikta Hai' - What is seen, sells.
We also want representation and availability of our GI products at railway-stations, airports, and in district headquarters, and important places of attraction.
Requesting media to be aware and be fair. If such products and events are not shown, they will not be known.
Requesting Rasagola and GI Celebration and also discussions at upcoming Conclave/Seminar/Literary Meets to #EndRasgullaDebate.
We want the "controversy" or "debate" regarding origin and ownership of Rasgulla/Rasagola to end.
I’m participating in the April #A2ZChallenge #BlogchatterA2Z
P For- Proposal, Pahala
I am writing A-Z posts about Rasagola- 26 #RasagolaA2Z posts this April :
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.
So much effort. Kudos to you. Though i am also guilty of thinking rasgulla as bengali creation its good to be enlightened by your posts. I have lot of pipli items at my home just writing so you exonerate me about rasgulla. Totally in love with your efforts.
ReplyDeleteDeepika Sharma
Kudos to you.
ReplyDeleteHope the Govt accepts the proposal. That would be wonderful. All stakeholders must join to create awareness.
ReplyDeleteI sincerely hope that Govt. approves of the proposal as it is very much needed. Surely as highlighted by you participation is a must to bring in Brand visibility. More Power to your resolve and may Lord Jagannatha help us in our endeavour.
ReplyDelete