Singer Susmita Das’ Sweet Take On War Over Rasagola

Bhubaneswar: ‘Ha ha rasagola….’ resonated through the auditorium of Bhanja Kala Mandap here on Monday as eminent singer Susmita Das rediscovered Odisha’s own Rasagola with her rendition.

The music launch of ‘Ama Rasagola’ marked the annual ritual of Lord Jagannath offering Rasagola to Goddess Laxmi on returning to their abode after the nine-day stay at Gundicha Temple, in an attempt to pacify her.

Noted lyricist Devdas Chhotray has penned the song, citing Rasagola’s historical existence and popularity, while the music is by Bibhuti Bhushan Gadanayak.

The evening opened with a panel discussion on fight between Odisha and West Bengal over the origin of Rasagola. The discussion on GI tag and historical significance along with the unique style of making the dessert, was appreciated by the audience.

“Dandi Ramayana mentions about Rasagola in 16th-century Odisha. It is very much Odisha’s own sweet,” noted litterateur Asit Mohanty said.

The syrupy sweet is offered during the Niladri Bije of Lord Jagannath, added food researcher Sahabuddin Mohammed.

Among others, social activist Anita Sabat and Secretary of Utkal Mistanna Byabasayi Samiti Bimbadhar Behera graced the occasion.

Sharing her excitement over the unique song selection, Susmita said, “When we decided on Rasagola as the theme, I approached Devdas Chhotray who penned it down beautifully”.

The music video was digitally launched on Monday night.

The national launch of the music was recently held in Delhi in the presence of Chief Justice of India Deepak Mishra, Justice GB Patnaik, eminent litterateur Sitakanta Mohapatra, Gokul Patnaik and Amarendra Khatua.