The 19th
century renaissance in Bengal brought about a dramatic change in the lives of
Bengalis in Calcutta.
It is during this time that Calcuttans witnessed the birth of several sweetmeat
shops. Four famous establishments of sweets grew in the heart of Calcutta during
this period. These are Bhim Nag, K.C Das, Dwarika Ghosh and Ganguram.
Bhim Nag had
patronized sandesh during those days. He boasted of an elite clientele of J.C
Bose, Meghnad Saha, P.C Ray and Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. Nag had also invented a
special dish to mark the birthday celebrations of Lady Canning. It was named
"Ledikeni" in honour of the Lady and it is very famous till date.
Rassagolla, one of
the most popular sweetmeats in India, originating from the Eastern part of the
country, has an interesting modern history. This particular dessert is
mockingly attached to Bengalis. This sweet can be found in almost all Eastern
Indian households, while global malls sell it like hot cakes. Very few people
know that Rasagolla was created in the temple town of Puri in the eastern state
of Orissa, where it has been eaten since medieval times. The best rasagollas in
Orissa are from the town of Salepur, near Cuttack. Another variety made at
Pahala near Bhubaneswar is also equally famous. "Rasagolla" is also
known to be the national sweet of India.
Western Indian Sweet
is also famous for one of the most delicious desserts found throughout the
history of Indian food: the Shrikhand. The Shrikhand is a creamy dessert made
out of strained yogurt, from which all water is drained off, leaving the thick
yogurt cream. Exotic dry fruits and fresh fruits like mangoes only enhances the
delightful taste of Shrikhand. This great dessert is one of Western India's
most popular and traditional dishes, since it has ancient roots in the Indian
cuisine. Modak is also a very famous sweet in Western India. It is made during
Ganesh Chaturthi. There are many varieties of Modak. To know more read:
