| Sitabhog | |
|---|---|
| Geographical indication | |
 Sitabhog fromSaktigarh | |
| Description | Bardhamaner Sitabhog is a type of sweet ofWest Bengal, India |
| Type | Sweets of the Indian subcontinent |
| Area | Bardhaman,West Bengal, India |
| Country | India |
| Registered | 29 April 2017 |
| Official website | ipindiaservices.gov.in |
Sitabhog (Bengali:সীতাভোগ) is a famous sweet ofBardhaman,West Bengal, India. Sitabhog is a flavourful dessert that looks like white rice or vermicelli mixed with small pieces ofGulab jamun. Made from cottage cheese (also known aschhana inBengali), rice flour and sugar, Sitabhog often gives the appearance of pulao, which is albeit sweet in taste.[1]
According to Late Nagendranath Nag, his grandfather Late Khettranath Nag first invented special Sitabhog and Mihidana inBardhaman during the regime of Maharaja Late Mahatabchand Bahadur. Seventy two years after this invention the name of Sitabhog andMihidana earned its reputation all over India after the arrival ofLord Curzon in Bardhaman and his appraisal for these two sweets.[2]
On invitation of Maharaja Vijaychand Mahatab Lord Curzon visited Bardhaman on 19 August 1904. To memorize the welcome lunch ofLord Curzon, Maharaja ordered Vairabchandra Nag, a sweet-maker of the town, to prepare something new and unique which would amaze the Lord. Vairabchandra Nag undertook the responsibility and introduced two new preparations named Sitabhog and Mihidana. Lord Curzon was surprised to have such unique sweets and praised and thanked Vairabchandra Nag in the certificate given to him saying he never had such sweet ever before. Thereafter, the quality and name of these two sweets reached all over the country and abroad. Late Nagendranath Nag, son of Late Vairabchandra Nag, broadcast this incident on Radio on 15 November 1976.[3]
Bengali actor, comedian and theater personality,Nabadwip Haldar sang this line[4]-
Bagbazar rasgolla, Bhim Nagar Sandesh
Bardhamaner Siddhog, Mithidana Dorbesh
Sitabhog of Bardhaman achieved theGeographical Indications ofWest Bengal on 29 April 2017.[5]
