Thousands of devotees thronged the 12th-century Jagannath Temple on Friday, celebrating Rasagola Dibasa as Lord Jagannath returned after the nine-day Rath Yatra procession. The return, known as Niladri Bije, featured a centuries-old ritual: the deity offering syrupy rasagolas to Goddess Lakshmi at the temple gate to appease her wrath for being left behind during the journey.

Local scholar Asit Mohanty explains that the tradition dates back to at least the 15th-century Jagamohana Ramayana, where rasagola (originally "Khira Mohana") is referenced as a religious offering during Niladri Bije. The offering has powerful symbolism: reconciliation, divine love, and cultural harmony.

Since Odisha received the GI tag for its variant (“Odisha Rasagola”) in July 2019, the day has grown both in religious fervor and gastronomic pride. Puri’s sweet shops reported brisk business, while celebratory events, including sand art by renowned artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, highlighted the spirit of the occasion.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended his greetings to citizens, calling the ritual a “sweet tradition of devotion and unity”. From temple rituals to community festivities, Rasagola Dibasa once again wove together myth, devotion, and sweet delights.