Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has initiated efforts to secure a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for ‘Sarsatia,’ a traditional sweet from Sambalpur.
Speaking at the ‘Convention 2.0 Forum-2025’ on GST reforms organised by the Sambalpur Chamber of Commerce, Pradhan emphasised the need to recognise and promote ‘Sarsatia’ as a unique cultural brand.
During his address, Pradhan described ‘Sarsatia’ not just as a sweet but as a symbol of Sambalpuri heritage and sentiment. He stressed that with proper study and promotion, it could grow from a local delicacy to a nationally and globally recognised brand.
“Sarsatia is not just a sweet; it is a brand and a cultural identity that deserves recognition,” he said.
Pradhan revealed that several stakeholders had suggested applying for a GI tag to protect and promote ‘Sarsatia.’ Taking responsibility for the initiative, he has coordinated with Collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar and consulted with the Commerce Department to facilitate the process.
He drew parallels with the ‘Sambalpuri Saree,’ which already holds a GI tag and serves as a global cultural brand.
“Our culture, language, and traditional products like ‘Sarsatia’ are our greatest assets, and it is time to take them to the world stage,” Pradhan added.
About Sarsatia
‘Sarsatia’ is a mildly sweet, crispy dessert that resembles vermicelli or a lace-like mesh. It is uniquely prepared using resin extracted from the twigs of the Ganjer tree, collected mainly between October and March when resin availability is high. The bark is peeled and the twigs are soaked in water to dissolve the resin.
Rice is ground into a fine powder called ‘Arua’ using a traditional wooden crusher known as a “dhenki.” The resin solution, rice powder, and sugar are mixed into a batter, which is then fried in hot oil to create thin, crispy strands or lace mesh. These strands are folded or shaped, sometimes into triangular pieces, once they become crisp.
