New Delhi, Feb 24 (KNN) In the month of November, West Bengal was awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tag for “Banglar Rasagolla” and three months later, an application for Geographical Indication (GI) tag has been filed by the Odisha Government on 23rd Feb, 2018 to stake claim for “Odishara Rasagola”.

Officials of the Odisha Small Industries Corporation Ltd (OSIC) filed the application with the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai.

Rasagolla is a syrupy dessert and both West Bengal and Orissa have claimed that this sweet is originated in their respective state which leads to bitter fight between them.

On the other side Odisha has claimed that Rasagola originated in their state and it was offered at Shri Jagannath Temple as well.

“The spongy sweetmeat has been a part of the state's centuries-old ritual of offering prayers to Lord Jagannath and was mentioned in a 16th century Odiya epic "Dandi Ramayana", said an official.

Jagannath Sena recently had filed GI application for Jagannath Rasagola, while a social organisation Regional Development Trust had filed an objection petition with the Registry at Chennai.

The Orissa High Court filed a PIL appealing GI tag for "Odishara Rasagola". (With inputs from a media report) (KNN/YV)