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Rasgulla or Roshogolla is perhaps one of the most beloved Indian sweetmeats of all times, however, in the recent past, it has been a cause of much strife among the Odias and Bengalis, with each claiming their own right as the original creators of the sweet. The bittersweet battle somewhat ended in the year 2017, when West Bengal won the GI status for Bengali Rashogolla. Not just Bengal and Odisha, Rasgullas are a rage throughout East India, but never before has it perhaps caused a 40-hour delay.
You read that right. Numerous trains were either cancelled or diverted at a Bihar Railway station, causing a 40-hour long delay. The reason? Rasgullas. No, it wasn’t some hardcore Rasgulla fan who caused the trains to stop, leading to utter chaos. As it turns out, the halt took place due to numerous protestors from Bihar’s Lakhisarai area who had gathered together to demand the stoppage of at least 10 trains at the Bahriya Railway station. Number of trains were cancelled on the Howrah-Delhi line due to the ongoing protest for 24 hours, and more than 100 trains were diverted.
The locals reportedly demanded a stoppage of express trains at Bahriya station to facilitate commuters and traders. Due to the pandemic, may routes were revised and introduced. Many trains would not stop at stations where they would in pre-pandemic days, leading to much anguish among commuters.
The town of Bahria is famous for its Rasgullas. The town alone has hundreds of sweet shops selling these spongy sweet treats made of cottage cheese. Not only is it a hit among locals but in neighboring towns and districts as well. Before pandemic, managing business, and supplying Rasgllas in the neighbouring areas was easier for traders and much cost-efficient too. The train fare from Bahria to Patna would not be more than INR 55 and the journey would also take only two hours via the express trains. But carrying the same rasgullas via road, almost doubles the fare and time and also increases the risk of contamination. This is the reason why the protest that took place in May comprised many small Rasgulla traders and businessman.
Rasgulla is a delicious sweet made with chenna. First the milk is curdled and the chenna or the paneer is collected. This chenna is then mixed with sugar or cardamom and then moulded in small balls. Once the chenna balls are ready, they are dipped in scented sugar syrup. Nowadays, there are many flavoured rasgullas that you can find in the markets too. From Mango to chocolate rasgullas, the list is endless. In some parts of India semolina or Suji is also added to Rasgullas to give it a firmer shape.
Here’s a delicious and easy-peasy recipe of rasgulla that you must try soon.
