‘Rosogolla Diwas’ Gets a Promise of Mishti Hub in Siliguri from the Tourism Minister

Webdesk, TNI Siliguri, 15th August, 2026:The streets of Siliguri turned sweeter on Saturday as the city celebrated Rosogolla Dibas (Rosogolla Day) with enthusiasm and a strong sense of Bengali culinary pride. The celebration was jointly organised by the Siliguri Sweet Shop Owners Association, affiliated with the Poschimbongo Mistanna Byabsayee Samiti, at Sevok More on Hill Cart Road, where more than 20,000 Rosogollas were distributed among the public.

The date holds particular significance for Bengal’s sweet-making community. On November 14, 2017, following a prolonged legal and administrative process over the origin of the iconic sweet, West Bengal secured the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Banglar Rosogolla. The day has since been observed annually by the West Bengal Mistanna Byabsayee Samiti to commemorate the recognition and celebrate the state’s rich confectionery heritage. This year, Siliguri was selected as the venue for the special celebration.

The event witnessed an enthusiastic response from people across generations. Children, young people and elderly residents, including those in their eighties, queued up to savour the traditional Bengali delicacy. The occasion also coincided with World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14, bringing an additional dimension to discussions surrounding food and health awareness.

The distribution programme was inaugurated by Dr. Sankar Ghosh, Minister-in-Charge of the West Bengal Tourism Department. Speaking on the occasion, he described the celebration as symbolic of the wider efforts undertaken throughout the year to promote Bengal’s culinary heritage. He emphasised the close relationship between food and tourism, adding that the Tourism Department was preparing a broader framework to showcase the state’s distinctive cuisine to visitors from within and outside the country. He assured that Rosogolla would receive special prominence in these promotional efforts.

Dr. Ghosh also welcomed the association’s proposal to establish a dedicated ‘Mishti Hub’ in Siliguri, expressing the government’s willingness to extend all possible assistance towards the initiative.

Mr. Sanjib Ghosh, Joint Secretary of the Siliguri Sweet Shop Owners Association, described the occasion as a matter of pride for Bengalis. He said Rosogolla remained one of the most popular choices among sweet lovers and that the annual celebration was particularly meaningful for both confectioners and those who cherish Bengali sweets.

Another Joint Secretary, Bijoy Dhar, said the GI recognition had made November 14 a day of joy for the state’s sweet-making community. He added that the association had organised the distribution to share the happiness of the occasion with the people of Siliguri.

Mr. Sanjib Banik, Secretary of the West Bengal Mistanna Byabsayee Samiti, said Rosogolla Diwas was being observed across the districts of West Bengal. Recalling the efforts undertaken in 2017 to establish the sweet’s geographical identity, he said the association had submitted extensive documentation to the government during the dispute over its origin. Following the successful recognition of Bengal’s Rosogolla, the Samiti decided to select Siliguri for this year’s special programme.

The celebration was more than a distribution drive; it was an expression of Bengal’s culinary identity, collective pride and enduring affection for one of its most cherished sweets. For Siliguri, the day offered a fitting blend of tradition, community participation and the prospect of strengthening the city’s place on Bengal’s food tourism map.