Balangir - Cultural hub of Odisha

  BALANGIR: A Major Cultural Hub Of Odisha

"There are many cities in India 

and each city has its-own distinct identity

which makes it Popular."

Introduction

Balangir is a city in India's eastern coast state of Odisha. Balangir also known as Bolangir, is a city and municipality,the headquarters of Balangir District in the state of odisha, India. Balangir is one of the major commercial township of western odisha.

Balangir has one of the best cultural heritage in india. It is also known as one of the finest places for tourists. Balangir District covers an area of 6575.00 sq.km and a population of 16,48,997 as per census 2011.

History Of Balangir

The territory comprising the district of Balangir was part of the erstwhile Patna State.

History of Balangir suggests that this town had been established by King Balaram Deo, the brother of Narasimha Deo, the 12th Raja of Patna in the middle of the 16th Century. 

It is said that the town being founded by Balaram Deo was named after him as Balaramgarh, from which the present name Balangir has been derived.

The Ex-states of Kalahandi, Sonepur were combined together to form a new district called Balangir-Patna District on 1st January 1948.

Subsequently on 1st November 1949 the Ex-states of Patna and Sonepur were separated and they together formed a new District called Balangir.

Topography and Climate

Located in the western region of Odisha. The district of Balangir is flanked in the north-west by the Gandhamardan hills, and the south east by river tel.

Located at an elevation of none meters (0 feet) above sea level, Balangir has a tropical wet and dry on Savanna climate.The district's yearly avarage temperature is 30.52° and it is 4.5% higher than India's average. Balangir turned out to be the hottest city of odisha. 

Tourism In Balangir

Tourism Plays an integral part of odisha. Balangir has a cluster of places to be visited. Every year thousands of people from the state and outside the state visit the various sightseeing places in Balangir.

Some of these notable places include the Harishankar temple and waterfall,Ranipur jharial, kumudapahad,Patneswari temple,BhimDungri,Tourkela wildlife and many more. Each place has its own speciality and its own history.

Culture of Balangir

Cultural Hub of Odisha, Balangir is famous for its indigenous tribe kosali's folk art and dance. Balangir is known for its temperate climate and many temples,parks, picnic spots, age-old buildings and the sambalpuri Cotton fabric, Sambalpuri Saree and Outfits.

The main folk dance and folk music by the district are-Dalkhai, Rasarkeli, Mailajada, Khudka, Gourbadi. And many more.

Eminent Shrines of Gods and Goddess

Apart from Someswar siva temple,indralant Temple,64 yoginis at Ranipur jharial,

Chandi mandir of saintala,Samleswari and Patneswari temple at Patnagarh, Harishankar with the temple of God and Goddess At Jogisarda,Kagoan,khujenpali,surda and at many other places.

Food in Balangir

Balangir Offers a choice of Food for all foodies. Street food being the speciality of this city. Chaulbara is the staple food here and they are available in different parts of the city. 

Food items like Bhujapudia,Gupchup and Chat are quite famous among local people as well as everyday tourists.

Another traditional recipe known as Basi Pakhal is eating during the summers for taste and health. Items like Arisa pitha,mug Bara and Malpua must be tasted. Here a lot of tasty sweet delight waits for all.

Transport in Balangir

As a prime city of Odisha, Balangir is a Prime hub and connecting route to all other locations of the State. From State Government buses To Private operator Run buses all can be found here.

Recently An ultra modern Bus Terminal has been constructed in Balangir which will ease the sufferings of the people travelling to various destinations.

The city is well connected with NH-57. Auto rickshaw and Cycle Rickshaw are present throughout the city for local transport. Other than buses and cars this place is connected with Railways too.

Festivals in Balangir

Odisha is famous for Rath Yatra festivals and being a part of odisha,Balangir is no different. A very famous festival celebrated here is the

NUAKHAI - Harvest festival of Western Odisha, this festival is celebrated by people with great enthusiasm.

Festivals like Shivaratri, Shitalsasthi of Titlagarh, Dushera, Sulia yatra,Bhimdungri Mohastov,Narasingh Chaturdashi etc.

This city also hosts other festivals which are equally famous and visited by thousands of locals as well as tourists.

Economy of Balangir

The economy of the Balangir district is basically agrarian,the tourism industry of Balangir also contribute to its economy.Here 70% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood.

Paddy is the principal crop of this region. Other than that Cotton,mustard, till also cultivated in the district.

Graphite, Bauxite are the main natural resources of the district.Besides that small scale industries, cottage industries and handloom industries in the district. 

Education system Of Balangir

The literacy rate of Balangir District is 65.50% Male literacy rate is 77.08% and female literacy rate is 53.77% .

Balangir has a number of Educational institutions which provide a great platform for education in the field of Engineering, arts and Social Science, Law, medical science etc.

Rajendra University, Bhim Bhoi medical College, Bidya Bhushan Sanskrit College, DAV College of Titlagarh, Government polytechnic, State Institute of hotel management (SIHM) are some of the Important Educational institute of the district.

Balangir Facts:

Geographical Area: 6575.00 sq.km

Population: 16,48,997

Avarage Temperature: 30.52°

Language: Sambalpuri,Odia

Religion: Hinduism, Christianity, Muslim

PIN code: 767001 

Some of the Renowned personality of this Region:

- Sri.Shrinivas Udgata(writer)

-Dr Sam Pitroda (Telecom Scientist)

- Shri Narasingha Mishra ( Politician)

- Shri Human Sagar (Singer)

- Dukhi Shyam Tripathi (Musical Artist)

Conclusion

Balangir prides itself on its mesmerizing sights , unique and diverse culture and History, the geography,the people, the modernity, and hospitality make Balangir attractive to all visitors. Significant progress has been made in all areas.Balangir is also gaining appreciation and recognition Nationally.

Balangir has always been the hub of activity, art, culture, fashion, etc. It has been and will continue to be its center. 

Thank you for reading..

( PS- This article is featured in our university's annual magazine, PRAJNAJYOTI )

~ Sugyan Nanda

Post graduate student of Political Science

Rajendra University, Balangir