Durga Puja: Special rasmalai a hit among the festival revellers

LOHARDAGA: A devout Durga devotee in Lohardaga's Bhandra block, Jagatpal Sahu, referred to as Jagatu Baba, shot to fame after constructing a unique Durga temple at Chatti, where animals are worshipped as gods. Today he is also known for his sweet shop, right in front of the temple.
During Navaratri, he prepares a special sweet called Rasamalai. It is in great demand here.The sales surge especially during Navaratri, when women fast for nine days and are allowed to live on sweets and fruits only.
He prepares the sweet himself. Chatti is situated at the intersection of Lohardaga, Gumla and Ranchi. The shop is a household name here and villagers from all the three districts come to buy sweets as well as other savouries. He earns enough through this shop that Jagat Sahu to keep his family going. The money for the construction of the Durga temple also came through this shop.
"The rasamalai of my shop is in great demand and I sell at least 150 pieces of it daily. A single piece comes for Rs 10," said Jagat. He said that it is not possible to prepare the sweet in all seasons since milk is not available always. He prepares the sweet in winter, when milk is available in abundance and the sweet is in high demand. "Since people relish having this sweet, I start making it from Durga Puja and it continues till the end of winter," added Jagat Sahu. Sahu also makes special arrangements to buy milk to prepare this special sweet, if need arises.
Anil Sahu, a local said, "I eagerly look forward to Navaratri to relish the rasamalai that is prepared by Jagat Baba only in his shop."