Coinciding with the ‘Niladribije’ of the Trinity in Puri, ‘Rasagola Divas’ dominated as the central theme here at 27th Raahgiri here on Sunday. Thousands of visitors got an opportunity to see the recipe of the famous Pahala Rasagola live at the Raahgiri venue. Speakers at the inaugural ceremony spoke about the Odia pride and the connection of the spongy and cheesy sweet with a deep-rooted history with lord Jagannath’s temple traditions for centuries.
Researcher and lead author of the ‘Rasagola report for the geographical indication (GI) tagging’ by the State Government, Asit Mohanty said the panel has gathered some strong evidences in its 150-page report, so that Odisha’s claim over the wonderful delicacy will be stronger, sharper and smoother to sail through the GI tagging process.
A GI is a name or sign used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin. More than 300 people were engaged in 80 stalls at the Raahgiri venue. They were making the Pahala Rasagola on the NH connecting Cuttack and Bhubaneswar on the city outskirts.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Pushpendra Singh Deo, Culture Minister Ashok Chandra Panda, Odisha Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board chairperson Subash Singh, Odisha Film Development Corporation chairman Muna Khan, Odisha Khadi and Gramodyoga Board President Tejeswar Parida, CRPF DIG Odisha TN Khuntia, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik and Gopal Krushna Mohapatra were present as guests.
Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena, Deputy Mayor K Shanti and Commissioner Dr Krishan Kumar were also present. The hit songs of yesteryear singer Tansen Singh were also another attraction at Raahgiri.
Soumya Ranjan Patnaik asked the youth to love their language, State and traditions. Tejeswar Parida announced that the MSME Department of the State Government has already started a cluster development exercise for the makers of Pahala Rasagulla.
City-based voluntary organisation, the Center for Child and Women Development (CCWD) organised a signature campaign for the promotion of safe city for all children. Children gave their suggestions like-smoke free city and child labour free city. More than 50 children put their vision to strengthen the Smart City.