Rasagola (Odia: ରସଗୋଲା) is a popular dessert in Odisha, made of soft balls of chhena (cottage cheese) cooked in sugar syrup. It is also known as Rasgulla in other parts of India, but Odisha is the original home of this sweet delicacy.
History and Legends
According to historians of Odisha, the Rasagola originated in Puri, as Khira Mohana, which later evolved into the Pahala Rasagola. It has been traditionally offered as bhog to goddess Lakshmi at Jagannath Temple, Puri on the day of Bahuda Jatra.
The legend goes that Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of the temple, goes on an annual nine-day sojourn to his birthplace (Gundicha temple) along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. This ritual is known as Ratha Jatra. However, Goddess Lakshmi, his consort, gets upset with him for leaving her behind and locks the main gate of the temple (Jai Vijaya Dwar) to prevent him from re-entering.
On the last day of Ratha Yatra, known as Niladri Bije (return of the Lord), Lord Jagannath tries to appease Goddess Lakshmi by offering her Rasagolas. Finally, she relents and allows him to enter the temple. This day is also celebrated as Rasagola Dibasa to mark the birth of the mouthwatering dessert in the state.
Rasagola is not just a dessert for the Odia people, but a part of our culture, history, and faith. It is a sweet that connects us with our divine Lord Jagannath and his beloved Maa Maha Lakshmi. It is also a sweet that reflects their diversity, creativity, and hospitality.
