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Bargarh was recognised as a district on 1st April 1993. This is one of the districts of western Odisha, which is developed in agriculture, industry, and trade.
History
Bargarh was recognised as a district on 1st April 1993. This is one of the districts of western Odisha, which is developed in agriculture, industry, and trade. Bargarh is known as a prosperous district and has the Hirakud Irrigation Project. Mahanadi, Jira, Ong, and Danta are some of the rivers that flow through the district, making it a heavenly place. Bargarh is rich in resources like the Sambalpuri handloom works cottage industry, Cement and Sugar factories, and Spinning mills. Bargarh is well known for its Dhanu Jatra and Bandha cottage industry.
The headquarters of the Bargarh district is situated on the left bank of the Jira River. The original name of the place was Baghar Kota, as identified in the 11th-century A.D. inscriptions. It was called “Bargarh”, probably from the time of Balaram Dev, the Chauhan Raja of Sambalpur, who made it his headquarters for some time and constructed a big fort for its protection. Narayan Singh, the last Chauhan Raja, granted this place in Maufi (freehold) to 2 Brahmin brothers, Krushna Dash and Narayan Dash, sons of Baluki Dash, who was killed in action by the Gond rebels led by Baldia Ray and Mahapatra Ray. Another part of the district, popularly known as Borasambar, was formerly the headquarters of the Borasambar Zamindari, which extended over 2178 sq. km. Later, the headquarters of the Zamindari shifted to Padampur, one of the present sub-divisional headquarters. The Zamindar belongs to the Binjhal family and is called Pat-Bariha.
The district has an area of 5832 km², and a population of 1,345,601, with a population density of 231 persons per km². The district was carved out of the erstwhile Sambalpur district. All-season irrigation from Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River makes the northern half of Bargarh District rich in agriculture, mostly rice.
Geographical Location
The Bargarh district lies between 20° 43′ and 21° 41′ North latitude and 82° 39′ to 83° 58′ East longitude. It is bounded on the north by the State of Chhattisgarh and on the east by the district of Sambalpur. The Balangir district lies to the south of Subarnapur and to the west of the Nuapara district.
The district has an area of 5837 sq. km. The population of the district, as per the 2001 census, is 13.46 million, out of which 6.81 million are male and 6.65 million are female.
Fairs and Festivals
Different acts of the Puranic description are performed in their places, and the spectators move from place to place with the actors to see the performances. The drama and reality get inseparably fused. The festival lasts for 7 to 11 days, preceding Pausa Purnima, the full-moon day of Pausa, which falls in December-January every year. The performances are organized from 3 PM to 9 PM, followed by entertainment programs throughout the night. The mood takes over thousands from nearby villages who fill the streets of Bargarh to enjoy and participate in the cultural drama. The main attraction is Kans, whose characterisation dominates the festival despite people viewing him as a demon. The unique extravaganza boasts a cast that involves virtually everyone in Bargarh.
Dhanu Jatra, Baisakh Mela of Nrusinghnath, Car Festival of Bhatli, Bali Jatra of Khuntpali, Sital Sasthi of Barpali, Faguna Mela of Bhatli, Maha Shiva Ratri of Kedarnath, Nuakhai (Nabarnna).
How to reach there?
Bargarh connects well through rail and roadways. Bargarh lies along National Highway 53 that connects Calcutta to Bombay. The district is also connected via National Highway 26, enhancing its accessibility. It is well connected to National Highways from the state capital, Bhubaneswar. It is 375 km away from the capital city, Bhubaneswar. In Railways, the South Eastern Railway runs through this district covering 46 km.
Where to stay?
This is a prime concern for any traveler to look for accommodation facilities available before traveling to a new place. There are a good number of affordable hotels available in Bargarh.