Gobindobhog Rice

Govindbhog is a rice cultivar from West Bengal, India. It is a short-grain, white, aromatic, sticky rice having a sweet, buttery flavor. It derives its name from its usage as the principal ingredient in the preparation of the offerings to Lord Krishna on Janmashtami. It tastes absolutely delectable when prepared as payesh (the Bengali version of rice kheer) and is widely used for auspicious offerings, pujas, and festivals. Gobindobhog was traditionally cultivated in the districts of Bardhaman, Hooghly, Nadia, and Birbhum. Later, it began to be cultivated in Bankura and Purulia. In August 2017, the Gobinobhog rice was allotted the geographical indication tag of West Bengal. It has many traditional Bengali recipes intended for it specifically.