Odisha360 Blog
A peaceful and culturally rich district of Odisha, best known as the Tulasi Kshetra.
History
The Kendrapara District holds a position of profound significance within the Indian subcontinent, blending ancient mythology with a vibrant political history. While the modern district was officially formed on April 1, 1993, its roots stretch back through millennia, making it a cornerstone of Odisha’s cultural and spiritual identity.
The name "Kendrapara" is deeply intertwined with ancient lore. According to popular mythological anecdotes, the region owes its name to the demon Kandarasura. Legend tells of a fierce battle where Lord Baladevjew (the elder brother of Lord Krishna) vanquished the demon, bringing peace to the land. This victory solidified the region's identity, leading to its spiritual designation as Tulasi Kshetra.
The history of Kendrapara is marked by a plethora of events that have had far-reaching consequences for Odisha. From its importance as a strategic maritime hub in the 19th century (as exemplified by the Hukitola storehouse) to its role in the socio-political evolution, Kendrapara has always been a place of impact.
Geographical Location
Strategically, the Kendrapara district is situated at 20º 20′ North to 20º 37′ North latitude and 86º 14′ East to 87º 01′ East longitude. According to the Agro-Climatic Classification of Odisha, Kendrapara district falls under the central coastal plain zone.
Four districts encircle the Kendrapara district; even a portion of it is bordered by the Bay of Bengal. For instance, the Kendrapara district lies in the northern part of the Jagatsinghapur district, the western part of the Indian district of Cuttack, the southwestern part of the Jajpur district, and the southern portion of the Bhadrak district. The Bay of Bengal is also situated in the east of the Kendrapara district. The shoreline of Kendrapara district comprises forty-eight kilometers, which stretches from ‘Dhamra Muhan to Batighar’. Also, the headquarters of the Kendrapara district is about eighty-five kilometers from the State.
How to reach there?
It is 93 km from the state capital and 63 km from Cuttack. There are regular interstate bus services from the nearby towns and cities. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and local bus services are available.
Where to stay?
There are several hotels (including star hotels) available in Kendrapara for a good stay.
Fairs and Festivals
Kendrapara, a small town on the bank of the river Gobari, also known as Tulasi Khetra, is famous for the Baladevjew Temple that attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year. The annual car festival of Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra, and Subhadra, and the festival of Gaja-Laxmi on Aswina Purnima, Ashokastami, Laxmi Puja, and Durga Puja are observed here with great pomp and splendour.