Rasgulla, a popular dessert in South Asia, is a syrupy delight made from ball-shaped dumplings of chhena dough, cooked in light sugar syrup. While its origins are debated between regions like West Bengal, Bangladesh, and Odisha, its popularity has spread far and wide.
Origins and History
The earliest mention of rasgulla can be traced back to the epic poem Dandi Ramayana, where it’s said to be offered to Maa Laxmi by Lord Jagannath. The dessert’s origin is a matter of contention between West Bengal and Odisha, with both states applying for a geographical indication (GI) tag for their respective variants. The West Bengal government received the GI tag for “Banglar rosogolla” in 2017, emphasizing the differences between the Bengali and Odia versions. A year later, Odisha also received the GI status for “Odisha Rasagola.”
Modern Popularity
The introduction of vacuum packing in the 1930s made rasgulla available outside Kolkata and eventually outside India. Today, canned rasgullas are enjoyed not only in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh but also in South Asian grocery stores worldwide. The dessert has even made its way into space research, with the Indian space agency, ISRO, developing dehydrated rasgullas for its astronauts.
Cultural Significance
In Odisha, the “Rasagola Dibasa” or “Rasgulla Day” is celebrated to reaffirm the state’s claim to the dessert’s origin. This day marks the return of the deities to the Jagannath Temple after the Ratha Yatra. In West Bengal, the “Rosogolla Utsob” is celebrated annually to honour the inventor of the rosogolla, Nobin Chandra Das.
Conclusion
While the article does not specifically mention “Rasgulla Malaysia,” it’s evident that the rasgulla has a rich history and cultural significance in South Asia. Its widespread popularity ensures that variations of this sweet might be found in different parts of the world, including Malaysia.
References
Article curated by Suwaytha Gopal