Odisha observes 'Rasagola Dibasa' as Lord Jagannath returns to Puri temple after Rath Yatra

Odisha observed 'Rasagola Dibasa' on 'Niladri Bije', the ritual of the sibling deities Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath returning to the 12th-century shrine in Puri after the annual Rath Yatra.

Rasagola Dibasa has been observed since 2015, and 'Niladri Bije' is the only day when Lord Jagannath is offered rasagola, known as 'khira mohan' in temple terminology.

Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended greetings, with Majhi calling the day a unique expression of Odia identity, culture, and devotion.

Former chief minister Naveen Patnaik noted that, as per tradition, Lord Jagannath offers rasagola to pacify Mahalaxmi's anger for not being taken on the Rath Yatra.

Odisha received a Geographical Indication tag for 'Odisha Rasagola' in 2019; researcher Asit Mohanty said the sweet originated in the Puri temple over 500 years ago, predating Bengal's rasagolla from 1868.