Bhubaneswar: A religious outfit from the state on Monday reached Chennai to seek the geographical indication (GI) tag for the Jagannath Rasagolla.

The initiative comes a month after Bengal received the GI tag for its Banglar Rasogolla.

A three-member team of Sri Jagannath Sena will visit the intellectual property office in Chennai to submit facts and figures to push for Odisha's claim on the tag. One has to file for the GI tag at the office with relevant documents.

"It is high time we took steps to obtain the GI tag for the Jagannath Rasagolla," said outfit convener Priyadarshan Pattnaik.

"All the necessary documents will be furnished at the GI office to claim the sweet links to age-old traditions and practices associated with Lord Jagannath," he said.

The government has decided to seek GI tag for "Jagannath Rasagolla" instead of the earlier "Odishara Rasagolla".

The industries director had recommended the micro, small and medium enterprises department to file for a GI tag for Jagannath Rasagolla on the basis of a report prepared after taking the views of legal experts and stakeholders.

But, it is mentioned that unless it can be established that rasagollas from the state have certain unique qualities and characteristics, the chances of Odishara Rasagolla getting GI tag are not bright.

So, it recommended the state to apply for the tag for Jagannath Rasagolla going by its age-old exclusive identity and also being a prime ritual of the Jagannath culture of Odisha.

The industries director suggested that the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration or even the servitors' association could file for the GI tag on behalf of the state.

Besides rasagolla, the team would also approach the GI authorities to give the tag for some other delicacies of the state.

"We will apply for the tag from our side and, if required, will seek support from the government," Pattnaik went on to add.