Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s popular dessert, Rasagola, got a melodious twist on Thursday evening as an anthem celebrating the state’s beloved sweet treat was unveiled in the presence of Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj and renowned Odissi vocalist Padma Shri Shyamamani Devi.
The anthem, which beautifully captures the divine tale of Lord Jagannath and Goddess Lakshmi’s celestial discord, was released on the eve of Rasagola Diwas and Niladri Bije, blending the state’s rich culture, soothing music, and delectable cuisine.
Subhranshu Panda, a celebrated Odia author, crafted the words for the anthem, which was then transformed into a mesmerizing melody by the talented Abhijeet Mishra, who not only composed but also lent his voice to the song.
Talking about the Rasagola anthem, Subranshu said, “The song is a harmonious blend of medieval-era traditional Odia music and contemporary composition. The anthem’s three segments draw inspiration from the timeless works of Odia literary giants Upendra Bhanja, Bhakta Salabega, and Banamali Dasa. The opening lines are a tribute to Jaganatha Das’ revered ‘Bhagabata’, while the song also captures the essence of the iconic Dahuka Boli of world famous Ratha Yatra.”
Singer and composer of the anthem Abhijeet said, “I was instantly captivated by the lyrics! I’ve been resonating with their vibes for over a year and a half. It’s a testament to Lord Jagannatha’s blessings and Subhranshu Panda’s creative genius that this project came to fruition. As a composer, I firmly believe that when tradition is presented in a fresh and exciting way, people will wholeheartedly embrace it.”
The anthem release event organised by Odia Media Private Limited at Jaydev Bhawan in Bhubaneswar also featured the screening of a captivating short film, directed by Subhranshu Panda. The short film showcased the making of the song in various iconic locations across Puri, Konark, and Bhubaneswar. The audience was further enthralled by a live performance of the song by renowned Odissi exponent Guru Saswat Joshi and his students, who elegantly brought to life the ancient tradition of offering Rasagola in the 12-century-old shrine.
Subhranshu, a distinguished author known for penning novels and short stories, has expanded his creative horizons by exploring songwriting. His latest endeavour aims to highlight Odisha’s diverse cultural tapestry, enduring traditions, and linguistic richness.
Prior to this latest collaboration, the dynamic duo Subhranshu and Abhijeet had already made waves on social media with their previous two anthems, one celebrating the delectable Chhenapoda and the other paying tribute to the Odia language.
