Baleswar Tourism

Baleswar, also known as Balasore, is a district in the Indian state of Odisha. It is located on the eastern coast of India, and is bounded by West Bengal in the north, the Bay of Bengal in the east, the districts of Bhadrak and Jajpur in the south, and the state of Jharkhand in the west. Baleswar is one of the important districts of Odisha, with a rich cultural heritage, historical importance, and natural beauty. 

Geography

Baleswar is situated between 20° 48' 30" N and 21° 59' 00" N latitude and 86° 20' 30" E and 87° 29' 00" E longitude. The district covers an area of 3634 square kilometers, and is divided into two major physiographic regions, namely the coastal plain and the northern uplands. The coastal plain is low-lying and consists of sandy beaches, dunes, and marshy lands, while the northern uplands are hilly and dissected by numerous rivers and streams. The major rivers that flow through the district are Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, and Jalaka.

History

Baleswar has a rich history, dating back to the ancient times. It was a part of the Kalinga Empire, which was ruled by the Mauryas, the Satavahanas, and the Guptas. In the 7th century, Baleswar came under the influence of the Bhaumakaras, who built several temples and monuments in the district. During the medieval period, Baleswar was ruled by the Gajapatis, the Afghans, and the Marathas. In the 18th century, it came under the control of the British, who established a trading center in the district. Baleswar played an important role in the freedom struggle of India, and many leaders like Madhusudan Das, Gopabandhu Das, and Sarojini Naidu visited the district to inspire the people.

Culture

Baleswar has a rich cultural heritage, with a blend of different traditions and customs. The people of Baleswar are predominantly Hindus, and they celebrate various festivals throughout the year. The major festivals celebrated in the district are Durga Puja, Diwali, Holi, and Rath Yatra. The district is also known for its folk traditions, such as the Chhau dance, the Jatra, and the Ghumura dance. The Chhau dance is a martial dance form, performed with masks and swords, while the Jatra is a religious theater form, depicting the stories from the epics. The Ghumura dance is a tribal dance form, performed by the Ghumura tribe, who live in the northern part of the district.

Economy

Baleswar is an important agricultural district, with a large area under cultivation. The major crops grown in the district are paddy, wheat, maize, and pulses. The district is also known for its fishing industry, with a long coastline and several rivers and streams. The major fish species caught in the district are prawn, hilsa, pomfret, and catfish. The district is also home to several small-scale industries, such as rice mills, oil mills, and textile units. Baleswar is well connected to the rest of the country through road and rail networks, and has a railway junction at Balasore.

State :

Odisha

How to Reach Baleswar