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Thursday, 8 April 2021

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.

I am writing this post after seeing yet another article recent article with false information about Chhena invention- as usual attributing to the Portuguese.

How will the public be introduced to the real story and origin of Rasagola?

Till we celebrated Rasagola Dibasa online in 2015, very few knew the history of Rasagola.

Many were not aware that the Odia Ramayana, belonging to 15th Century, has reference of the word Rasagola. 

Many still are not aware. 

Many did not and do not care.

That explains why Rasgulla's link with Oddisha is not known.


Rasagola Dibasa enabled research and discussion.

Our aim of celebrating #RasagolaDibasa on social media - was simply to inform the world about the origin of Rasagola.

There were many "debates" and discussions, but unfairly favouring Bengal, despite Odisha's ancient documentary evidences, references and continuing tradition of Niladri Bije at Ratha Jatra.

People are yet to know or accept that Rasagola has been a part of Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri, and the word Rasagola exists in 15th Century text when the city famous for it did not even exist.

False and incorrect information has been and is being regularly shared regarding GI Tag of Rasgulla.


Gautam Buddha had said- "Conquer falsehood with truth".

Action is needed for truth to win.

Requesting literary festival organizers, media channels and publications, seminar, festival and conference organizers to please consider 'Rasagola' as a serious topic and invite intellectuals, food historians, chefs, researchers, and authors on same platform to present correct facts about Rasgulla.

High time everyone learns facts about Rasgulla.

Some find this Rasgulla issue 'sickening', 'tiring' and 'boring'; while others feel this 'fight' is 'silly and inconsequential'. Misinformation about Rasgulla continues. We have two choices- either accept the falsehood regarding Rasgulla and keep quiet while more lies are served, or share the facts and make everyone aware.

This writer has been consistently and persistently writing and sharing about this topic from 2014 onwards. Dedicated efforts have been to settle this Rasgulla debate and to put an end to this controversy once and for all. Thus, this writer had initiated the Rasagola Dibasa - Rasgulla Day celebration on social media in 2015. Thereafter, this writer had facilitated the filing of the 'Odisha Rasagola' GI application. Odisha has earned the GI Tag for Odisha Rasagola in July 2019. However, the false representation and misleading, biased and fake news reports, articles, and videos still continue. Such propaganda must stop. Rasagola's Odisha origin must be known first to be accepted by all. Only when the truth is shared, people can learn and be aware. May truth triumph.

I’m participating in the April #A2ZChallenge #BlogchatterA2Z

F For- Facts, Fake, False, Falsehood
I am writing A-Z posts about Rasagola- 26 Rasagola posts this April.
This sincere attempt is to share information about Rasagola/Rasgulla.
Rasagola is a part of Odisha's traditional knowledge, continuing tradition, cultural heritage and identity.  
You can check out my other 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 Rasgullas 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. 
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3 comments:

  1. Durga Prasad Dash8 April 2021 at 08:26

    There are vested interests and added to that our irresponsible media make the matter worse. Rasagola is not just a mere sweet. It has emerged as a symbol of pride similar to a flag which is otherwise just a colorful piece of cloth. It is definitely not a trivial matter. Truth must prevail and people should know the facts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anita Sabat8 April 2021 at 10:30

      Yes, Rasagola is not just a sweet or a trivial matter.
      It is our cultural tradition and identity. Sadly, we are being denied by either ignorance and misinformation or unfair practices, vested interests and propaganda.
      You are so right about the flag. May Shree Jagannatha give us strength to keep our Odisha Rasagola flag and culture flying high.
      Thanks for sharing your views.

      Delete
  2. Chinmayee Gayatree Sahu13 April 2021 at 00:33

    Rasagola is a symbol of century old tradition and it is a part of our identity. Sad , we have to fight for our own identity today due to such misinformation.

    ReplyDelete

Your words mean a lot to me.