Odisha Celebrates Rasagolla Dibasa as Lord Jagannath Returns to Puri Temple

Odisha on Tuesday celebrated Rasagolla Dibasa with great devotion and joy, coinciding with ‘Niladri Bije’, the final ritual of the annual Rath Yatra, marking the return of Lord Jagannath and his siblings—Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra—to the sanctum of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri.

The occasion is especially significant as the sibling deities are offered the traditional sweet ‘Rasagolla’, symbolizing Lord Jagannath’s gesture to appease Goddess Lakshmi, who was initially left behind during the Rath Yatra. This ceremonial offering is deeply rooted in Odia culture and is celebrated as Rasagolla Dibasa to honour the state’s rich tradition and claim over the origin of the sweet.

On this auspicious day, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik extended their greetings to the people of Odisha. They highlighted the spiritual and cultural importance of the occasion and praised the unity it brings among devotees.

“Rasagolla Dibasa is not just about a sweet. It is about devotion, tradition, and the deep-rooted cultural identity of Odisha,” said a devotee participating in the celebrations at Puri.

Special offerings, prayers, and cultural programs were held at various temples and households across the state, with Rasagolla taking centre stage in festive rituals and feasts.

The event also rekindles the sweet rivalry between Odisha and West Bengal over the origin of Rasagolla, though Odisha continues to mark this day as a proud symbol of its Jagannath culture and culinary heritage.