Baragarh District

Bargarh district also known as Baragarh district is situated on the extreme western part of the state of Orissa. It is an administrative district and the district headquarters are located in the city of Bargarh. The people of this district speak Sambhalpuri, a dialect in Oriya. Agriculturally, industrially and trade wise this district is one of the most developed district of Orissa. It holds the Hirakud Irrigation project and resources like Sambhalpuri handloom, sugar factory and cement factory adds to the prosperity of the place. The total population of Bargarh district is 1345601, while the population density is 231 people per square kilometres. There are seven tehsils and two sub divisions of this district.

Location of Baragarh district

The Bargarh district lies between 20 degree 43 minutes to 21 degree 41 minute North latitude and 82 degree 39 minute to 83 degree 58 minute East longitude. It is one of the western most districts of the state of Orissa. It is bounded on the north by the State of Chhatisgarh and on the east by the district of Sambalpur, on the south there is the district of Balangir and Subarnapur and on the west the district of Nuapara. The district has an area of 5837 square kilometers. The headquarters of the district Bargarh is situated on the left bank of Jira River.

History of Baragarh district

The original name of the Bargarh district was "Baghar Kota" as known from an inscription of the 11th Century A.D. It was called "Bargarh" probably from the time of Balaram Dev, the Chauhan Raja of Sambalpur, who made it for some time his headquarters and raised a big fort for its defence. Another part of the district popularly known as "Borasambar" was formerly the headquarters of the Borasambar Zamindari extending over 2178 sq kilometres. Later, the headquarters of the Zamindari shifted to Padampur, one of the present sub-divisional headquarter. The Zamindar belonged to the Binjhal family and is called Pat-Bariha.

Geography of Baragarh district

Bargarh district enjoys a tropical monsoon type of climate. The district experiences an average annual rainfall of 1482mm. Normally South west monsoon sets between 1st week of July and the withdraws completely by 15th October . This is the normal date which fluctuates from year to year. Bargarh district comes under the Low rainfall area category. The average annual rainfall fall below 130 cm. summer, Rainy and winter are the three main seasons of Bargarh district. The mean Humidity of the place is in between 45 percent to 50 percent in summer and 85 to 95 percent in the rainy season and within 70 to 80 percent during the winter. The Bargarh district can be divided into three natural divisions, firstly, the Bargarh Plain, secondly the Borasambar and lastly the Ambabhona and Lakhanpur. The greater portion is an open plain of considerable fertility drained by the Danta and the Jira, the two tributaries of the Mahanadi River. The soil is a mixture of sand and gravel as well as of clay and is good for rice cultivation.

Culture of Baragarh District

Culture of Bargarh district is deep rooted in its history and mythology. Several fairs and festivals are held almost all throughout the year. Dhanu Yatra is the most popular festival of Bargarh district. It is celebrated during the winters and the entire place becomes stage where people depict mythology into a religion. It is a festival which celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Thousands of people, from all section of society throng the streets of Bargarh to enjoy and participate in the cultural drama. Interestingly the festival not only re-enacts mythology but also offer amusements to the people. Baisakh mela and the Falguna mela are among the well known fairs of Bargarh district. Nuakhai or Nabanna is a festival of harvest and social bonding. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm which again highlights the fact that the people have high regards for their culture and heritage.

Tourism in Baragarh district

Bargarh district has a lot to offer when it comes to tourism. There are temples and pilgrimage sites for devotees who come to offer their prayer. The temples also excel in their architectural splendour. Village tourism is also an integral part of tourism here. There are villages with rich historical and mythological significance and are a must visit places for the travellers. The wild life sanctuary is indeed a tourist`s delight and there are also few picnic spots and places with outstanding scenic beauty. There are excellent accommodation facilities for the visitors and the place is well connected by roadways, railways and airways facilities. As a whole the district of Bargarh is a coveted place to visit on the map of Orissa.

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