Who invented Rasgulla? Real story behind Odisha vs West Bengal’s sweet rivalry
Although the rasgulla has been enjoyed across India for generations, the dispute gained national attention in 2015 when Odisha announced its intention to seek a GI tag for its traditional Odisha Rasagola. The move prompted West Bengal to file its own application, arguing that the…
The move prompted West Bengal to file its own application, arguing that the modern spongy rasgulla was invented in Kolkata by renowned confectioner Nobin Chandra Das in 1868. Historians, food researchers, politicians and cultural organisations from both states began presenting historical records, literary references.
Odisha’s argument is rooted in religion and tradition rather than commercial history. According to Odia scholars, a version of the sweet known as Rasagola has been associated with the Jagannath Temple tradition in Puri for centuries.
What Happened
During the Niladri Bije ritual—the concluding ceremony of the annual Rath Yatra – Lord Jagannath is believed to offer rasagola to Goddess Lakshmi to appease her after returning to the temple. Researchers in Odisha cite references from medieval Odia literature, including Balaram.
Although the rasgulla has been enjoyed across India for generations, the dispute gained national attention in 2015 when Odisha announced its intention to seek a GI tag for its traditional Odisha Rasagola.
In 2017, West Bengal received a GI tag for “Banglar Rasogolla”, recognising the state’s distinct variety rather than granting exclusive ownership over the generic dessert.
Two years later, in 2019, Odisha was awarded a separate GI tag for “Odisha Rasagola”, acknowledging its own historically distinct version.
Key Details
Odisha also points to famous rasagola-making centres such as Pahala and Salepur, where the dessert has been produced for generations. West Bengal’s case centres on the invention of the modern chhena-based spongy rasgulla.
When she’s not working, she finds joy in playing with dogs—or binge-watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S for the hundredth time.
With a vision to make lifestyle journalism more thoughtful, engaging, and inclusive, Ananya aspires to tell stories that inspire people to see the everyday a little differently.
She doesn’t mind staring at the screen a little too long if it helps her uncover new angles that spark conversations and connect with readers.
Why It Matters
Food historians in Bengal widely credit confectioner Nobin Chandra Das, often called the “Columbus of Rasgulla”, with perfecting the sweet in Kolkata in 1868. According to historical accounts, Das experimented extensively with chhena before creating the soft, elastic, syrup-filled dessert that would.
Born in Guwahati, Assam, and now living in Delhi, she brings together her rooted perspective and cosmopolitan curiosity to create narratives that feel both relatable and fresh.
Ananya is a lifestyle journalist at TV9, where she explores stories on culture, fashion, wellness, and everyday living.
What Reports Say
Coverage of the story so far points to:
Continued reporting by News9live as more details emerge
